Acoustic
Surveys
The Herring Science Council conducts regular acoustic surveys to monitor herring populations and gather essential biomass data. These surveys support sustainable fishery management by providing insights into the abundance and distribution of herring stocks.
Plankton Sampling
The Herring Science Council's plankton sampling project collects ichthyoplankton to study herring larvae and spawning patterns. This research offers valuable insights into the timing and location of herring spawning, aiding in better management of herring stocks.
Fat Data
Collection
The Herring Science Council collects fat data to monitor the health and nutritional status of herring populations. This data, gathered during routine quality control, aids in understanding regional and temporal variations in herring fat content​.
Oceanographic
Sampling
The Herring Science Council conducts oceanographic sampling to collect data on environmental conditions like temperature and salinity. This research helps understand the factors affecting herring habitats and supports better management of herring stocks.
About the Herring Science Council
The Herring Science Council was founded in 2001 to advance the understanding and management of Atlantic herring. Comprised of members from the mobile gear fleet in the Maritimes Region, the HSC collaborates with industry and research partners to conduct essential studies. These include acoustic surveys, tagging programs, and plankton sampling, all aimed at monitoring herring populations and their habitats. The Council’s work provides critical data that supports sustainable fishery management and contributes to the conservation of herring stocks for future generations.
Tagging Program
The Herring Science Council implemented a tagging program in 2016 to study the migration patterns of the Southwest Nova Scotia/Bay of Fundy herring sub-stock. As part of the 4VWX management unit, nearly 160,000 tags had been applied by December 2023, with ongoing analyses. Each year, a draw rewards participants who return tags, offering prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third.
2024 Tag Draw Winners
​Congratulations to our previous draw winners! Thank you for being a part of our community and helping to drive impactful research.
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Tammy Legacy (pictured) - $1,000
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Seamus Leavy - $500
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Jenn Crossman - $250
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Judy Hubbard - HSC Jacket
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Ana Hernandez - HSC Jacket
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Suzanne Deveau - HSC Jacket
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Amanda Ross (pictured) - HSC Jacket
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Darlene Vacon - YETI Mug
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Cheryl Duckworth - YETI Mug
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Robert Loiser - YETI Mug
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Helen Mitchell - YETI Mug
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Christina Hopkins - YETI Mug
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Krista Kenny - YETI Mug
