Protecting a native Puget Sound resource

Conservation Northwest has championed federal protection of the Cherry Point herring under the Endangered Species Act for some time.  Populations of the Cherry Point herring, once the most abundant herring species in Washington state waters, have plummetted in the last 30 years, declining by 90 percent, despite several state and federal policies designed to “protect” marine resources. By all accounts, the Cherry Point herring is likely headed towards extinction unless it is protected under the Endangered Species Act .

One of a Kind

Cherry Point herring are a unique population of Pacific herring that spawn on the shoreline north of Bellingham, and a keystone in the food chain for many marine animals including Chinook salmon and killer whales. The herring's distinct spawning location within the Straits of Georgia in Puget Sound has reproductively isolated them from other Puget Sound herring populations, making Cherry Point herring the most genetically divergent species of herring in Washington.  In contrast to herring that migrate out to sea, the Cherry Point herring travel inland to freshwater environments, like estuaries, to feed and spawn.  This unusual behavior makes the Cherry Point herring susceptible to harm arising from shoreline development and pollution.

Oil and Water Don’t Mix

Two major oil refineries and an aluminum smelter near Cherry Point have already adversely affected herring spawning grounds.  Dock construction and operation, outfall discharge, vessel traffic, and disease and foreign species introduction from ship ballast water are some of the hardships Cherry Point herring have had to endure thus far.  In addition, accidental spills of oil and other poisonous substances present a constant threat to this already stressed species. Over 70 oil spills have released tens of thousands of gallons of crude oil into the water since 1973.  If accidents like these continue there is little hope that a vibrant herring population will survive.

A Set-back for Herring and Habitat

Despite petitioning efforts by Conservation Northwest, the National Marine Fisheries Service recently refused federal protection of the Cherry Point herring under the Endangered Species Act. This decision presents a major roadblock for the survival of the Cherry Point herring population north of Bellingham. The agency holds that the Cherry Point herring was not “biologically significant” and therefore not worth protecting. Yet the loss would affect the Puget Sound wildlife that feed on the Cherry Point herring. Chinook salmon, sea lions, porpoises, and orcas would all be at risk. Conservation Northwest is continuing to work to ensure a future for this herring and its habitat.