CDFW could use your help!

[WB Staff]

CDFW could use your help! Marine region staff are tracking spawning activity of Pacific herring – small silvery bait fish that deposit layers of clear eggs on nearshore surfaces. If you see spawning activity, please let us know by emailing herring@wildlife.ca.gov with the general location information and the date. Photos are highly encouraged! Reports from the public will aid CDFW in monitoring herring spawning activity as part of the state’s effort to manage the commercial and recreational herring fisheries.
When do Pacific herring spawn? Pacific herring commonly spawn throughout winter (typically November to March).
Where will these spawning events occur? Major spawning areas are bays and estuaries in northern California including San Francisco Bay, Tomales Bay, Humboldt Bay, and Crescent City harbor. Common spawning grounds within San Francisco Bay include Richardson Bay and Paradise in Marin County, the San Francisco city waterfront, the shoreline from Point Richmond to Point San Pablo, Crown Beach and Ballena Bay in Alameda, Bay Farm Island, and Coyote Point, although areas of shoreline preferred by spawning herring tend to vary over time.
Not sure what you are looking for? Lively gatherings of marine birds such as cormorants, pelicans, scoters, and coots are often the first sign to look for. In addition to birds, marine mammals such as harbor seals and sea lions may be present during herring spawning events.
To read more information on how you can help please visit this blog post: https://cdfwmarine.wordpress.com/2025/0 ... opulations