herring volunteers
Thank you for volunteering with the MSI! We appreciate your time and energy towards helping us document slhawt’/herring spawn in the Squamish Estuary.
On this page you will find useful links, documents, and contact information.
Waiver | Survey Form | Manual | Contact info | Site map | Photos
Volunteer Waiver & Media Release Form
Before you start surveys, we require that all volunteers sign the volunteer waiver and email a signed copy to MSI (herring.survey.msi@gmail.com or marinestewardshipinitiative@gmail.com).
We also ask that you sign the media release form (second page of the same document), but it is optional. Photos/videos are very helpful for us in sharing the results of this program!
Survey Form
Please make sure to fill out the survey form every time you check your site, even if you don’t find any herring spawn.
Access the form via this link: https://arcg.is/1yWOzL2
We recommend that you save this link as a bookmark for easy reference.
Volunteer Manual
The Volunteer Manual contains background information, site maps, survey protocols, details on data entry, and more. Access the manual here: https://howesoundguide.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-Volunteer-Manual-Herring-Spawn-Surveys.pdf
It’s your go-to resource if you need a reminder about anything!
Contact information
Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns. We welcome your feedback!
MSI Search for Slhawt’/Herring Program Coordinator: Matthew Van Oostdam
604-313-6992 or herring.survey.msi@gmail.com
MSI Project Director: Ellika Cairns
604 880 5490 or marinestewardshipinitiative@gmail.com
In case of emergency while surveying, call 911
Squamish Estuary Survey Sites
See the map for survey sites. You will be assigned a site and receive-site specific training from MSI.
Photos
Examples of what herring spawn (eggs) looks like and where you might find them:
Spawn density examples
Herring vs Anchovy
Learn more
Visit our Search for Slhwat’ program page to learn more about these surveys.
Thank you for your interest!