Some researchers call for more conservative herring management in SE Alaska based on historical abundance
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [Juneau Empire] by Mary Catherine Martin - July 16, 2014
Southeast Alaska’s Pacific herring populations seem to be on the rebound, but even in fisheries regarded as healthy, some contend herring are significantly depleted from historical levels indicated by archaeological records and cultural memory.
Herring have long been used by Tlingit, Haida and other Native peoples, who harvested eggs on kelp or hemlock branches hung in the water during a spawn, or gathered the fish themselves for meat, oil and bait.
The commercial fishery wasn’t managed like it is today until industrial fishing had been underway for decades.
Archaeological records indicate greater abundance...(more)
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