Fish Facts: Pacific Herring – Clupea Pallasii

Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii), inhabit the inshore waters of the Pacific Ocean from California to Alaska. Pacific herring are a small fish that reaches sizes about 9 inches sometimes larger. Herring are shiny fish with bluish green colouration on their backs and shiny silver sides and bellies. Herring travel in large schools.

Pacific Herring spawn in late winter and early spring in inshore waters. Herring eggs stick to things such as seawead, rocks or pilings. The eggs hatch after about 10 days.

Throughout the summer months, the young herring continue to grow and then start their schooling behavior. Pacific Herring eventually move into the offshore waters during the fall. They return to from the offshore waters only to spawn.

Pacific herring are a very abundant species and are the target of commercial fisherman. They are used to produce oil and meal, with a smaller amount used smoked, dried, pickled, canned, or salted for human consumption. Herring is also used as bait by sport fisherman.