Hold onto your hats, folks, because we’ve got some seriously jaw-dropping photos coming your way. Kali Wexler, a talented photographer from Hornby Island, BC, just captured some truly incredible footage of the herring spawns off the Island.
The photos are totally blowing our minds!
Wexler, who’s been chronicling this natural wonder for six years running, says it’s one of the most beautiful sights he’s ever seen. And let us tell you, based on the stunning shots he’s shared; we can totally see why!
In an interview with the Times Colonist, Wexler explained that the male herrings release their milt to fertilize the female eggs, which are then scattered on seaweed on the shoreline. “That photo… it’s kind of an initial spawn, so it’s really cloudy, milky, along the coastline,” Wexler said of the images he captured.
But that’s not all.
As the day went on, this spawning bonanza just kept getting bigger and more beautiful, transforming the water into a stunning aquamarine hue that was impossible to look away from. And guess what? Wexler captured all of it, even taking to the skies with a drone to capture some seriously sick aerial footage.
According to Wexler, this herring spawn is a massive deal for locals, who flock to Hornby Island to witness this miraculous natural phenomenon in all its glory. It’s also a great way to ring in the start of spring and shake off the winter blues with some serious abundance of activity and wildlife.
But the herring spawn is not all fun and games.
Wexler is seriously concerned about the impact of commercial fishing on this beautiful creature. Herring are a keystone species that play a major role in our marine food web, and we need to do everything we can to protect them before it’s too late.
So, if you’re as blown away by these stunning photos as we are, check out Wexler’s website for more awe-inspiring shots of nature at its finest.
Trust us; you won’t be disappointed.
