Document Author: W. Scott Pegau

2022 Prince William Sound Forage Fish Observations

It builds upon previous aerial forage fish surveys conducted in PWS. The aerial surveys allow for identifying forage fish schools that are in water too shallow for a survey vessel.

The objective of the work is to provide aerial surveys of forage fish schools in PWS during June to map areas that they commonly use and therefore understand the potential impacts of a spill.

This report summarizes surveys conducted in June 2022, the fourth and final year of surveys sponsored by the Council. The report also includes combined summary data from the past ten years of surveys (2013-2022) to examine areas of consistent occupancy by forage fish.

See also previous reports:

 

2020 Prince William Sound Forage Fish Observations

‘Forage fish’ are species that are preyed on by larger predators, and include Pacific herring, Pacific sand lance, capelin, and candlefish. Dr. Pegau conducted the survey of the entire coastline of Prince William Sound via airplane in 2019 and 2020.

Surveying from the air allows for identifying areas in water too shallow for a vessel. The primary objectives are to map and count schools of these fish in Prince William Sound to help protect these important species during a spill response. This work is expected to continue until 2022.

2020 Prince William Sound Forage Fish Observations

‘Forage fish’ are species that are preyed on by larger predators, and include Pacific herring, Pacific sand lance, capelin, and candlefish. Dr. Pegau conducted the survey of the entire coastline of Prince William Sound via airplane in 2019 and 2020.

Surveying from the air allows for identifying areas in water too shallow for a vessel. The primary objectives are to map and count schools of these fish in Prince William Sound to help protect these important species during a spill response. This work is expected to continue until 2022.

Skip to content