Something strange going in #whiterock @BC1 pic.twitter.com/bXppFD9QJg
— LissaDawn (@Melissa3Hill) 11 December 2019
The waters off the White Rock Pier have been the scene of an incredible feeding frenzy for the past several weeks.
Dozens of seals and sea lions – and thousands of seagulls – have been fishing near the pier for Pacific herring or anchovy.
Described by some as a scene fit for National Geographic, seagulls repeatedly dive-bomb into the water to catch the fish, which appear to be chased to the surface by the seals.
“Our ocean ecosystem is a complex web of connections in which small forage fish play a vital role as food sources for a variety of species, including salmon, birds and marine mammals,” Department of Fisheries and Oceans communications advisor Michelle Rainer told Peace Arch News via email.
The scene has been making quite the splash on social media. Feel free to share your pictures of the frenzy by emailing editorial@peacearchnews.com
@SouthRockBuzz I will have to go down and check it out! I filmed this Friday amazed to hear the birds from inside the house. I thought it was a #bird convention they were flying in from all directions #whiterock #amazing pic.twitter.com/S35dNRZPrO
— Beachview Homes (@BeachviewHomes) 15 December 2019
Lately there has been an INCREDIBLE nature display happening down at #WhiteRock beach!
— South Rock Buzz (@SouthRockBuzz) 15 December 2019
Seals, sea lions, & birds galore all feasting on a huge fish run!
If you ever needed a reason to visit come watch this real life national geographic episode. #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/98A01WQLIu
Herring run at Whiterock pier pic.twitter.com/L5ezCeIvzs
— David Remillard (@DavidRemil) 15 December 2019