Forage-fish sampling continues; researchers flag vehicle use on beach at low tide

MRC members reported abundant juvenile herring during the summer and discussed sampling gaps and vehicle disturbance at a productive forage-fish site.

Project leads said this summer produced "lots and lots of baby herring," with individuals about an inch to an inch-and-a-half long at multiple sites. Forage-fish sampling at some Elwha beaches was paused because field teams were advised to avoid sampling immediately after the Indian Creek spill; preservatives used for samples can react with contaminants. "That'll be a gap in our data," a project lead said, but they added they planned to resume sampling other sites as soon as conditions allow.

During public comment, a volunteer sampler warned that vehicles are increasingly driving onto the county park beach at low tide where the MRC has consistently recorded forage-fish eggs. The commenter said trucks and other vehicles are sometimes driving onto the same stretch used for sampling and recommended talking with parks staff about signage or other measures. "Driving out on top of forage fish habitat is a bit counterproductive if you want to catch salmon because they need to eat something," the commenter said.

Staff noted the site is managed as a county park and suggested coordination with park staff to explore signage or enforcement options. They also reminded members to record observations and report any vehicle impacts during future sampling days.

Next steps: resume safe sampling where permitted, coordinate with parks staff on potential signage or access controls at the affected low-tide site, and continue documenting forage-fish abundance and egg presence.