Witness Nature’s Spectacle: The Pacific Herring Spawn
Eagles Swooping in to Catch Herring
The Pacific herring, a tiny fish with a mighty impact, is a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest ecosystem. These fish, numbering in the millions, gather annually along Southeast Alaska’s coastlines to spawn, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle starting in March in Sitka, Alaska.
A Feast for Wildlife As herring congregate, a feast begins. Bald eagles, their piercing cries echoing across the water, swoop down to snatch fish from the surface. Seals and sea lions dive into the teeming schools, while humpback whales employ their unique bubble-net feeding technique to corral and consume their prey. A glimpse of killer whales working together to herd herring into a frenzy is a sight for the truly fortunate.
Milky Waters Filled with Herring Spawn
A Cultural and Economic Treasure For centuries, Indigenous peoples of Southeast Alaska have harvested herring roe, a delicacy rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Tlingit people traditionally collected roe by placing hemlock branches in the water, allowing the sticky eggs to adhere.
Beyond its cultural significance, herring is also a valuable commercial resource. The roe, particularly prized in Japan, is a delicacy known as kazunoko.
Herring Eggs on the Beach
Join Us on a Marine Eco-Tourism Alaskan Cruise. Experience the magic of the herring spawn firsthand with Alaska Sea Adventures. Our Sitka Sound Herring cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness the intricate balance of nature and the region’s rich cultural heritage.
“…being in a kayak with a 60 to humpback whale surfacing and blowing so close to me, was beyond words. These gentle giants blessed us with their presence. And when the junior whale of one pair began frolicking and breaching right in front of us, it made my millennium!!” Susan & Dick R. Kauai, HI
Rick Sammon’s Photography Cruise
“Oh, my God! Trip # 9 with ASA and they just keep getting better and better. And the whales- I think that this week I saw more whales than I have in the past 14 years combined!” Barbara H. Miami, FL
Alaska Sea Adventures operates under Special Use Permit from the USDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Spring Herring Cruise GallerySitka to Sitka
Sitka to Sitka
Petersburg to Sitka
Sitka to Petersburg
