Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) is a small, but hugely important fish to the ecology and the cultures of the Pacific coast. Fish, sea mammals, and birds rely on this fish and its eggs for food. For thousands of years, this once abundant fish has been central to the social, cultural and economic relations of coastal indigenous communities. Since the late 19th century and continuing into recent decades, industrial fishing of herring has helped support many communities across the Northwest Coast.

Recently, like many small fish around the world, herring numbers are dramatically reduced, especially compared to levels seen in the mid 20th century. These declines have widespread ecological, cultural and economic impacts that of are concern to people throughout the region.