EVENTS
HERRING CELEBRATION
When the Herring Come Home
In the depths of the ocean , schools of herring move as one . From above , the swell of their silvery scales reflect against the water ’ s surface , creating underwater clouds of murky greens and blues . Their tiny bodies , a mere nine inches in length , would likely go unnoticed if they weren ’ t traveling in massive schools comprised of millions of fish . The herring in Sitka have a long history of nourishing the people and creatures who live here , and their eggs make them a favorite delicacy for whales , seals , birds , and people .
SPRING ’ S BOUNTY
Sitka Sound ’ s coastal ocean waters make for the perfect spawning ground , and from late March through early April , the herring ’ s lemonade-colored eggs can be found clinging to Hemlock branches , kelp , and seaweed . These eggs are a marker for the start of spring , and with them comes the return of the whales . Flocks of birds and large groups of seals and sea lions can be seen lobbying for a seat at the saltwater table , eager for their piece of the feast .
During this time , the Sitka Sac Roe Fishery also opens across several days . Commercial fishing boats work in tandem with small planes that circle above to locate the schools of herring . When signaled to start , boats set their nets at record speed , hauling in large batches of bounty that will be processed and used as food , oil , and fish meal all over the world . In April , you can get a front row seat to the action aboard Alaskan Dream Cruises ’ Kruzof Explorer , an old crabbing boat turned overnight expedition vessel . This 12-passenger ship sails during the shoulder season , allowing visitors to witness the herring spawn in real time .
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