MenuClose
Tribal Fisheries Resilience
Give
background 0background 1background 2background 3

Immigration Rights and Resources for the Campus Community

Food Programs and Resources for Students

Surf Smelt

String of surfsmelt project sampling photos
This study is the first study of surf smelt biology in Humboldt County

In collaboration with the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, we are studying surf smelt, with the goal of co-producing knowledge on their spawning patterns. Surf smelt, Hypomesus pretiosus, are culturally and ecologically important to the Northern California Coast; however, they are considered data-poor since there has not been a formal stock assessment of this species. Surf smelt spawn on coarse sandy beaches from Monterey, CA to Southeast Alaska and can live up to 5 years old and grow to 305 mm in Total Length. 

increase the long-term surf smelt monitoring capacity for the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People

This project aims to increase the long-term surf smelt monitoring capacity for the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People (Klamath, CA). Our research focuses on identifying key factors that influence spawning timing and location, including lunar and tidal phases, seasonality, environmental variables, sediment grain size, and oceanographic conditions. We are also examining biological parameters, including the length, weight, sex, abundance, and age of spawning individuals.

the Tribe is weaving together traditional knowledge and practices with western science and reclaiming stewardship and management.

This study is the first study of surf smelt biology in Humboldt County and is the only one that uses otoliths to age surf smelt. By working collaboratively with The Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People to establish research methods and objectives, collect and process data in the field and the lab, and through the development of research products, the Tribe is weaving together traditional knowledge and practices with western science and reclaiming stewardship and management.