‘Forage fish’ are species that are preyed on by larger predators, and include Pacific herring, Pacific sand lance, capelin, and candlefish. Dr. Pegau conducted the survey of the entire coastline of Prince William Sound via airplane in 2019 and 2020.
Surveying from the air allows for identifying areas in water too shallow for a vessel. The primary objectives are to map and count schools of these fish in Prince William Sound to help protect these important species during a spill response. This work is expected to continue until 2022.