eulachon

The eulachon, Thaleichthys pacificus, is a small, anadromous smelt fish found along the Pacific coast of North America. Also known as the candlefish due to its high oil content, which allows a dried eulachon to burn like a candle, it is a historically significant species for Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Eulachon are born in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean to mature, and return to their natal rivers to spawn. Their spawning runs typically occur in the spring.

Eulachon are an important part of the marine food web, feeding on plankton and serving as prey for various marine mammals, seabirds, and larger fish. Historically, the eulachon fishery was a vital subsistence and commercial resource. Indigenous communities harvested them in large quantities for food, oil, and trade. The oil, in particular, was a valuable commodity, used for cooking, medicinal purposes, and as a source of light.

In recent decades, eulachon populations have experienced significant declines across much of their range. This has led to various conservation efforts and management measures, including restrictions on commercial fishing and increased monitoring of populations. The reasons for the decline are believed to be multifaceted, potentially including overfishing, habitat degradation, and changes in oceanographic conditions. The ecological and cultural importance of the eulachon continues to be recognized, driving ongoing research and conservation initiatives.