Fingerlings

We saw many small schools of young fishes swimming just below the water surface. Of the three species of small forage fish in Puget Sound (sand lance, smelt, and herring), we think these fish were sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus). They were feeding on plankton and other material in the water.

The effects of oil on fish can vary, depending on whether (1) the oil is floating or dispersed, (2) the oil is in the open water or an enclosed habitat, (3) the fish are pelagic (swimming freely in the water column) or benthic (bottom-dwelling), and other factors. In general, if spilled oil is floating on the water, fish are not affected unless they are feeding on floating insects. If oil is dispersed deeper in the water, then sand lance and other forage fish can be exposed to the oil for a short period of time (hours). If contamination continues for a day or more, the fish can be injured, suffering from sensory impairment (dizziness, loss of equilibrium), reduced swimming speed, and death. In most cases, fish eggs and larvae are more sensitive to oil than adult fish.

(08.09.04, Edmonds Washington)