Forage fish are the backbone of a healthy Puget Sound. They provide the food base for endangered chinook which in turn are relied on by the endangered Southern Resident Orcas. Little Fish + Big Fish = Orca.
In Puget Sound, sand lance and surf smelt spawn on the upper portions of nearshore beaches, which puts them at great risk from development impact - and it is critical that we know where they are spawning so habitat can be protected. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of Puget Sound beaches have been surveyed which means that many spawning beaches are not being properly protected.
Earlier this year, Sound Action stepped up to TAKE ACTION and initiated and implemented a pilot project for extensive forage fish spawning surveys which are currently being conducted by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and specially trained Puget Sound Corps staff. As a result of this work, new spawning areas and times have already been discovered.
To learn more about Sound Action and our work to protect Puget Sound visit http://www.soundaction.org
