Some attempts to restore or enhance surf smelt beaches have been attempted. In most of these cases, pea gravel has been deposited on the impacted beach. Subsequent surveys of the artificial beach material has shown that such material is unstable and prone to lateral transport. Large scale rehabilitation of surf smelt spawning grounds is an unproven mitigation technique. Surf Smelt - Commercial Fisheries Commercial fisheries for surf smelt are widespread throughout Washington State waters.
Fisheries occur on both spawning and non-spawning fish.
The harvest of spawning fish, usually 2 years and older, takes place on the spawning grounds. These non-spawning aggregations, which are actively feeding, are not as predictable as spawning surf smelt but do occur in traditional areas with some degree of regularity. Fishing times, areas and gear types are regulated by Washington Administrative Code. The commercial harvest is monitored through the fish ticket system which documents sales. Washington commercial landings of surf smelt have been relatively constant at about 100,000 pounds annually.