Forage fish- the krill, squid, anchovies, herring, sardines and other prey for larger animals- are the heartbeat of the ocean, especially in California and the west coast. Seabirds and other predators from across the Pacific congregate here  to feed on our rich and diverse prey base. Now, however, some forage stocks are becoming scarce or unpredictable due to current or historic overfishing, climate change and other factors. In response, strong new policies are in development, and new alliances are forming among conservation groups and fishermen, that will help to safeguard forage species in our rapidly changing coast and ocean.

Humpback whale and seabirds feeding on anchovies in Morro Bay, fall 2012

Each late spring in Monterey Bay, seabirders look forward to the arrival of a million or more Sooty Shearwaters from their breeding grounds in New Zealand. These vast, spectacular flocks come to feed on squid and small fish in the highly productive waters of Monterey Bay. Meanwhile, Surf Scoters have just finished fattening up on herring roe in San Francisco and Tomales Bays  and are returning to breeding grounds in Canada. At the Farallon Islands, Common Murre, Brandt’s Cormorants, and Tufted Puffin are foraging near the islands, retrieving juvenile rockfish and other prey for their young.

The common thread among these disparate species is food. Forage fish, krill and squid are seasonally abundant in the rich upwelling zones of the California and the west coast from Canada to central Baja. Ours is one of a handful of areas in the vast Pacific that produces a large enough volume and diversity of prey to attract predators from all over the basin – seabirds, whales, pinnipeds, sharks, turtles and large fish.

Yet this prey base is increasingly threatened. Sardines are in imminent danger of collapse; herring stocks are depressed and stressed, with few older fish remaining; anchovies have not been assessed in 25 years; and squid is the most lucrative commercial fishery in California, placing increased pressure on the stock. Climate change is making the ocean more unpredictable, which is changing the timing and location of prey, in turn decreasing reproductive success in wildlife trying to time breeding with prey availability. 

Fishermen targeting big fish like salmon and rockfish well understand that their big fish need to eat little fish – which is why many of them supported California’s 10-year process to create marine reserves. These underwater parks prevent or limit fishing in about 15% of California’s state waters, and will provide a special boost to reef-dwelling rockfish, a key prey item for seabirds. The new marine protected areas around the Farallon Islands, and near Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge in northern California, will forever support these global Important Bird Areas with nearly half a million breeding seabirds of 13 species.

In addition to marine reserves, another tool for protecting the forage base in through changes in fisheries management. Audubon and other members of a small working group that includes commercial fishing representatives have over the past year worked with the state to create a policy on forage species in state waters. The policy would prevent the expansion of existing fisheries on forage species, such as squid and herring, without first accounting for the needs of marine predators. The policy would also prevent new fisheries on currently unfished species like smelts and sand lance – both critical prey for seabirds- without similarly accounting for the needs of predators. We expect the policy to be adopted next month by the Fish and Game Commission. If adopted without further modification, this means that for the first time, the state has set a real course for ensuring there is enough food in the water for our marine wildlife. This is a smart approach that leaves plenty of room for both wildlife and thriving commercial and recreational fisheries.

At the same time, at the federal level, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, which manages fisheries in federal waters, has recently also moved to prevent new fisheries on forage species until predator needs are accounted for. The Council has also taken other important steps to improve management of existing fisheries on forage, such as sardines and anchovies.

Marine birds are sensitive indicators of the health of the forage base, creating a close connection between birds and these forage policies. The Audubon network is helping to advance these policies. We will share opportunities for you to make your voice heard- stay tuned!