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.

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times