Range:

San Francisco and Tomales Bays

Seasonality:

December through February

Method of Capture:

Gillnet

Sustainability Consideration:

The Department of Fish and Game sets a quota based on annual biomass assessment, and our local harvest rate ranges between 5%-10%, where the rate found to be sustainable in Canada and other parts of the world is 20%. Gill nets with minimum mesh size restrictions take a harvest, 90% of which is composed of older 4 and 5 year olds, 10% of the overall population, which reaches breeding age at two years. Herring life expectancy is about five years of age. This is a sustainable fishery.

Size Range:

6 to 8 inches

Flavor and Texture:

Meaty, rich sea flavor with a delicate, semi-firm texture

Cooking Tips:

sauté, pickle, grill, fry, smoke