Forage fish, an assemblage of small schooling species also known as bait fish, play a crucial role in the food web of the Salish Sea. They are essential prey for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. They also serve as a source of food and fishing bait for humans. The Forage Fish Vital Sign tells us about the population status of Pacific herring and other forage fish species in Puget Sound. Forage fish depend on clean water and natural shorelines. They are susceptible to impacts associated with shoreline development such as poor water quality, habitat degradation, and vessel noise.
VITAL SIGN INDICATOR | INDICATOR PROGRESS | TARGET STATUS |
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VITAL SIGN INDICATOR | INDICATOR PROGRESS | TARGET STATUS |
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Indicator Targets