Herring Making a Comeback in Salish Sea

Saw a post about spawning herring and eggs on FB a week or so ago. I know a few members have seen this. Looks positive that they are spawning in record numbers. Unsure how this compares with past spawning cycles. Herring spawning

Great news! Maybe it's because everyone is staying home, not polluting? Doesn't take a rocket scientist to know how much we affect the environment.

https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/coronavirus/venice-canals-clear-dolphins-swim-italy-lockdown/

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsod...avirus-outbreak

More than herring will be making a comeback.

Herring Worms

Yuk! Have seen them before. Wonder if their increase, and them thriving inside marine mammals can be correlated with the population increase in pinniped's since the 70's?

The abundance of parasite populations is directly linked to the health of the populations of their host vectors.

Inversely? As in, poor nutrition of Orcas means more susceptible to parasites?

Or, with a high population of hosts (think pinnipeds) and their lack of social distancing there will be a higher incidence of parasites?

Or both??

I'll have to test my jar of Poulsbo pickled herring from New Day Fishery for worms. Red Apple used to make their own that was pretty good.

Shad and pink salmon are loaded with anisakis also. In the end, it's all just extra protein for the consuming person if they cook the fish.

Found quite a few of these parasites in Lake Washington sockeye and Cedar River steelhead, back in the day. Also found some in the guts of smelt I was cleaning. Maybe sushi makers can spot the worms in fish flesh, but aren't these worms laying eggs as they migrate through their host. SPAM sushi...the only way to go!

What are the signs and symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of anisakiasis are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, diarrhea, blood and mucus in stool, and mild fever. Allergic reactions with rash and itching, and infrequently, anaphylaxis, can also occur.

So who is still eating raw spot shrimp??

ME! ME! ME!

Oooooh... oooh... pick me, pick me!

Herring on the rebound ???? Watch out, WDFW with its MSY philosophy, will allow the Herring commercial fleet to "net more". I hope not but given the history in this State...well time will tell.

Stay safe, health is so important !!!!!!!!

Thanks, Doc. I quit reading after the part of diagnosis by gastroscopic exam.