surf smelt

noun

1. a smelt, Hypomesus pretiosus, inhabiting shallow waters from southern California to Alaska, and spawning in the surf.

Word History and Origins

Origin of surf smelt¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

It can also harm Pacific sand lance and surf smelt, which produce important sources of food for salmon.

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The Coastal Watershed Institute of Port Angeles, a research nonprofit, also has documented more surf smelt along the nearshore of the Elwha.

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A healthy beach hops with bugs on soft sand, essential spawning ground for sand lance and surf smelt.

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Beaches also are where crucial forage fish, including sand lance and surf smelt, spawn.

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“This is the Goldilocks zone for forage fish, for surf smelt, sand lance, and armoring just outright destroys that habitat,” said Carey.

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