Re: Small oyster, extra headache (News, July 20)
In addition to being a home for oysters, it is conceivable that the pilings under the Craigflower Bridge could serve as a sheltered spawning ground for the Pacific herring.
A few years ago, the Squamish Streamkeepers Society discovered that herring were spawning on the creosote-coated pilings under the Squamish wharf terminals. However, egg mortality was high because creosote was poisonous.
Wrapping the pilings in a variety of materials has resulted in improved survival, which has contributed to a revival of herring runs.
While designing the pilings of the new Craigflower Bridge for the oysters, it may be a good idea to keep in mind that they can also possibly serve as egg laying substrate for herring.
However, it may be necessary to protect the gravid herring from the human predators who dangle hooks from above before they can be enticed to spawn under the bridge.
Mei Ang
Saanich
