Subsistence harvests and trade of Pacific herring spawn on Macrocystis kelp in Hydaburg, Alaska

This report describes the subsistence use of Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) spawn on kelp in Hydaburg, a predominately Haida community on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. The history of herring spawn-on-kelp harvests, barter, and trade by the Haida is summarized as reported in historical and contemporary sources. Information on contemporary use patterns derives from interviews conducted in Hydaburg in 1992. The report discusses traditional and contemporary production strategies; characteristics of those who harvest spawn on kelp; the frequency and timing, as well as the location, of harvest; and the methods of harvesting, handling, preserving, and consuming herring spawn on Macrocystis kelp. It includes a brief history of Haida barter and trade, as well as contemporary trading practices.