Pacific herring

The Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) is a species of herring found in the northern Pacific Ocean. These fish are characterized by their streamlined bodies, silvery sides, and blueish-green backs, typically reaching lengths of 20 to 38 centimeters (8 to 15 inches).1

Pacific herring are abundant and play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, feeding on small organisms like copepods and fish larvae, and serving as a food source for larger predators such as cod, salmon, and tuna. In the Pacific, herring catches are often used for manufacturing fish oil and meal, with smaller quantities being pickled and smoked. They spawn between December and midsummer, depositing eggs on seaweed or rocks, and typically mature within four years, with a lifespan of up to 20 years.12