Herring's Spring Return: A Healthy Sound

0:00It's April 25th, Canada News Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Pacific Haring are spawning again in all T.S. events, also known as house sound, marking the true kickoff to spring. The Marine Stewardship Initiative and Squamish Nation are teaming up to monitor these events, tracking the tiny eggs that coat rockweed and eel grass. As a keystone species, herring feed everything from salmon and bears to whales and seabirds, pulling the whole ecosystem together for a seasonal feast. Historically, herring thrived here according to Squamish oral stories, but logging, mining, and heavy fishing wiped out most stocks over the last century. Now, with less industrial pressure, they're bouncing back and surveys since 2019 are rebuilding lost data to guide future decisions on development. Teams like Let's Survey are Joey Moore, snorkelsites from Squamish estuary to Mamquam Blind Channel, getting up close to spot the glistening eggs that look like do from afar.

1:02It's not just science, it's reigniting cultural ties as the nation places hemwag bows in the water to harvest spawn, just like their ancestors, taking only what they need for food. Meanwhile, spots near Fowler Creek and Wood Fiber Creek show the densest spawns each year, even amid old logbooms and LNG ops. Fisheries officials require projects to avoid harming fish habitat, pausing work during sensitive times to protect these runs. This returns signal solid stewardship and a healthier sound, proving small players like herring keep the big picture balanced. Expect the full data drop later this spring to map what's next.