Atlantic Herring Clupea harengus
The Atlantic Herring (Clupea harengus) is one of the most ecologically and historically significant fish in the North Sea, forming the basis of enormous fisheries that shaped the economy of Suffolk’s coastal towns – most notably Lowestoft, once one of Britain’s foremost herring ports. Overfishing caused severe declines in the twentieth century, and the famous East Anglian autumn herring fishery collapsed entirely. North Sea herring stocks have partially recovered under management measures, and herring remain present in Suffolk waters, forming an important prey species for seabirds, cetaceans, and larger fish. The species’ history is woven deeply into Suffolk’s maritime heritage. Image: © Alex Shure, iNaturalist.
Find out more: iNaturalist, Marine Life Information Centre
Suffolk’s Priority Marine Life Species
Key
Listed as a conservation priority in Suffolk’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Closely associated with Suffolk’s landscape and natural identity.
Identified as a key priority for recovery under Suffolk’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Has a Species of the Month article attached.
