Theresa Liedtke et al focuesd on 2 forage fish species: Pacific sand lance and Pacific herring
Initially focused on Liberty Bay (Poulsbo, WA; today’s data) with non/urban coastline; now working at Possession Point (s Whidbey Island) to get higher wave action and feeder bluffs. 12 sand/sediment samples, 500ml samples preserved eggs.
Findings: 40k eggs in Liberty Bay, 83 per sample; predominantly surf smelt (94%), sandlance and rock sole remaining; >60 eggs/sample called “high egg count” sample and included in a regression.
High egg counts associated with: shell fragments, high position on beach, and proximity to sediment source (eggs moved by wave action?). If you had all 3, you had 82x chance of finding eggs on that beach. Not associated: armoring, shade, freshwater input, upslope development.
Thus far, no eggs at Possession Point.