Herring

A small, silvery, oily fish of the family Clupeidae, abundant in the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. herring are commercially important, caught and processed for human consumption as fresh fish, kippers, and especially pickled or smoked herring. Their eggs, known as herring roe, are also a delicacy in some cultures. They are characterized by a slender body, a single dorsal fin, and a forked tail. These schooling fish play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, serving as a primary food source for larger predators, including seabirds, marine mammals, and larger fish. They often migrate over long distances and their presence or absence can be an important indicator of the health of the marine environment. Their lifecycle typically involves spawning in coastal waters and the young fish then move to deeper waters. They are a key species in the ecosystem.

Herring meaning with examples

• The fishermen hauled in a bountiful catch of herring, ensuring a plentiful supply for the local market. Their silvery scales shimmered in the sunlight as they were pulled from the nets.
• We enjoyed a traditional Scandinavian breakfast of pickled herring and rye bread. The salty and slightly sour taste of the herring was the perfect complement to the rich bread.
• Coastal communities often rely on the herring run for their livelihoods. The return of the herring signals not just fishing season but the reawakening of the local economy and culture.
• The seagulls followed the herring boats, knowing a meal was guaranteed. The air filled with squawks as they circled the boats, hoping to snatch any discarded herring remains.