Forage fish sampling is on—and we invite you to join us at the beach.
Across the Sunshine Coast, volunteers gather on local beaches to search for the tiny eggs of surf smelt and Pacific sand lance—small fish that play a critical role in our marine ecosystems.
These species are a key food source for salmon, seabirds, and marine mammals. Forage fish form the foundation of the marine food web, transferring energy from plankton to larger species.
They spawn directly on our beaches, in the narrow band between the high tides—making their habitat especially vulnerable to disturbance, shoreline development, and climate change.
Without successful spawning, these fish disappear.
Without forage fish, the entire food web begins to unravel.
Why We Sample
For over a decade, volunteers on the Sunshine Coast have been collecting forage fish data—helping to fill critical gaps in our understanding of where spawning occurs and how these populations are changing.
Each sample collected contributes to a growing dataset that informs shoreline management and habitat protection decisions.
Without this data, it is difficult to protect these beaches.
Community Science in Action
This is hands-on, community-based science.
We scoop sand from the upper beach, sift it down, and look for eggs—tiny, nearly invisible, and easy to miss unless you know what you’re looking for.
No experience is needed. Training and equipment are provided on-site.
It’s simple, meaningful work—and a chance to connect with others who care about the future of our coast.
Spring 2026 Sampling Schedule
April 24 (Friday)
10:00 am – Fish Hook Beach, Sechelt
3:00 pm – Soames Beach, Gibsons
May 13 (Wednesday)
9:30 am – Soames Beach, Gibsons
May 14 (Thursday)
10:00 am – Fish Hook Beach, Sechelt
June 7 (Sunday)
10:00 am – Fish Hook Beach, Sechelt
3:00 pm – Soames Beach, Gibsons
June 14 (Sunday) – World Oceans Day Celebration
2:00 pm – Davis Bay (meet at the Forage Fish Booth, Mission Point Park)
Join Us!
To sign up or ask questions, contact Dianne Sanford, SCCA’s forage fish coordinator:
diannesanford@gmail.com
Or simply come out to any of the scheduled sessions—we’ll be happy to welcome you.
Dress for shoreline weather and come prepared to get a little sandy. Rubber boots are recommended. All sampling gear and guidance will be provided.
It’s simple. It’s hands-on. And it matters.
See you on the beach!