An exception is herring, a species for which we have more information. Basic stock identification is uncertain for several species. There is growing interest in establishing a commercial fishery for a resurgent population of sardine along the Washington coast. Current levels of commercial harvest of forage fish are approximately 1.7 million pounds annually. These fisheries are often directed at spawning aggregations of fish.
Forage fish are a key component of the marine ecosystem in Washington.
Key management and biological information is usually lacking for most forage fish stocks. This plan emphasizes the role of forage fish in the ecosystem and considers catch on a secondary basis. The availability of forage fish to provide a source of food for salmon, other fish, marine birds and marine mammals will be a primary consideration. To achieve this, potential catch will be foregone if needed. Development of annual, or stock specific, harvest plans will consider the impact of harvest on the availability of forage fish.