Chapters 3.5

3.5 Smelt

Christopher Llewellyn , University of Guelph, Canada

Suggested citation for this chapter.

Llewellyn,C. (2022) Fish And Freshwater/Marine Invertebrates. In The Student Encyclopedia of Canadian Indigenous Foods. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.firstnationsfoods.org/

Introduction

The indigenous people of North America first consumed many foods we see today. Smelt, a family of fish, is one of these foods, and one can analyze it in many ways. Smelt has many anatomical and behavioural traits that distinguish them from other fish. With a long history, smelt saw the evolution of fishing and indigenous change in the Americas. One can also analyze the movement of smelt throughout the past century, and the state of smelt populations today. Furthermore, examination of smelt provides insight into indigenous cooking, food preparation, and fishing methods, allowing observation of indigenous influence in modern society.

Biology

Smelt is a family of fish called Osmeridae, which includes various individual species (McAllister, 1985). One finds smelt throughout the temperate waters of North America, Europe, and Asia (McAllister, 1985). There are fourteen known species of smelt worldwide, nine of which exist in Canadian waters (McAllister, 1985). Alongside others, some North American smelt include rainbow (American) smelt, delta smelt, eulachon, longfin, and surf smelt.

Figure 1. Rainbow Smelt In North America Note: Retrieved from Government of Ontario, 2018 .

Anatomically, since smelt are salmonoids, many describe them as resembling small salmon, as shown above in Figure 1 (McAllister, 1985). One finds adult smelt at around 20 cm long, though some individuals may reach upwards of 30 cm (Government of Ontario, 2018). Large iridescent scales cover smelt, which are usually a silvery colour. Sometimes, they may reflect blue, green or violet hues depending on the lighting environment (Fisheries Can., 2016). These small fish have one central dorsal fin (top of fish), one ventral fin (on bottom), a pair of pectoral fins (on sides), and an anal fin (near tail), all of which are reasonably small compared to its body (Fisheries Can., 2016). In their mouth, one finds spiky teeth, ideal for consuming tiny organisms (Fisheries Can., 2016).

Limitations to the consumption of salmon

The population of Chinook salmon has been declining for years due to numerous reasons including habitat destruction, climate change and overfishing (Blanchet et al. 2021). Bioaccumulation is another factor that affects the population of Chinook salmon and the meat (Carlson and Hites, 2005). Bioaccumulation is the gradual accumulation of different toxins such as mercury and PCBs which are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the food chain (Carlson and Hites, 2005). Since Chinook salmon are a mid-level predator, meaning they consume other organisms, these toxins can build up in the smaller organisms and then be passed onto the salmon after they consume that particular animal, causing a decline in the health and the meat quality of the salmon (Carlson and Hites, 2005). If the quality of their meat is being affected, it may not be suitable for human consumption resulting in the meat being wasted (Carlson and Hites, 2005). The decline in the population of salmon has a negative impact on Indigenous communities who rely on salmon as one of their main food sources such as the Nuxalk Nation (Blanchet et al. 2021). This limits the consumption of salmon which creates food insecurity and also has a negative spiritual impact on the Indigenous people as the population of salmon is declining (Blanchet et al. 2021).

Habitat

Smelt exist naturally throughout the northern hemisphere, primarily in the Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific Ocean (U.S.F.W.S, 2015). As they are anadromous, one finds smelt in freshwater and saltwater, usually depending on the time of year (Fisheries Can, 2016). Smelt reproduce upstream in freshwater and spend the rest of their lives in larger bodies of freshwater or saltwater (Fisheries Can, 2016). Their travel between saltwater and freshwater occurs in the spring, when they reproduce (Fisheries Can, 2016). Regardless of the actual smelt population, there are large regions where smelt can potentially be found, from the great lakes to the Baltic, to the East Asian coast, and many places in between (U.S.F.W.S, 2015). In North America, smelt exist along the temperate North Atlantic and throughout the St. Lawrence River until the Ottawa Valley (Government of Ontario, 2018). Smelt populations are also found around Alaska and along the Pacific Coast until California (Government of Ontario, 2018).

Human impact

Figure 2. The native and non-native habitat of Rainbow smelt, excl. Alaska.Note: Gen. By United States Geological Survey, 2021.

In the early 1900s, humans introduced rainbow smelt to other watersheds throughout eastern regions of North America. Figure 2 shows the distribution of native vs. nonnative habitat for rainbow smelt. This exhibits that a significant portion of current places where one may find smelt are not their native habitats. The nonnative waters included the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, as well as the Mississippi watershed (Government of Ontario, 2018). Humans introduced them both intentionally and accidentally (Mercado Silva et al., 2006). The introduction of smelt to these watersheds proved beneficial for smelt populations, but only until the 70’s, when they began to overpopulate these regions. Their periodic dominance is due to their invasive nature, consuming indigenous species, and competing for food (Mercado Silva et al., 2006). Nearing the end of the 20th century, the unsustainable and unstable population of smelt rapidly crashed, with very few smelt left compared to before (Mercado Silva et al., 2006). The smelt numbers have since not recovered, and there is still a decreasing trend (Mercado Silva et al., 2006). Despite varying data, many assume that smelt is on the brink of extinction in specific basins throughout North America.

Benefits

Regarding uses, smelt was captured and cooked in many ways. Alongside regular meals, the indigenous would use smelt during social and ceremonial occasions (Therriault & Hay, 2002). It was an essential part of their diet, alongside fish we commonly still see today, such as salmon and trout (Therriault & Hay, 2002). Smelt is eaten whole due to its small size (Kuhnlein & Humphries, n.d.). Historically, indigenous people would sundry, boil or smoke it (Kuhnlein & Humphries, n.d.). Fish was also roasted, grilled, skewered, or had oil extracted (Kuhnlein & Humphries, n.d.). Indigenous peoples consumed smelt both with other meals and alone (Kuhnlein & Humphries, n.d.). During this period, smelt was a known and used food source. However, today's smelt consumption is sporadic. In the modern era, smelt is often pan-fried or deep-fried, and eaten alongside other foods (M.P.R. News, 2014). Because it is an uncommon and very flavorful fish, it is considered a delicacy (M.P.R. News, 2014). Additionally, eulachon, a variety of smelt, has such high-fat content that it could be lit and used as a candle (ADFG, n.d.). Overall, there are various similarities and differences between indigenous and modern preparations of smelt.

In addition to the various preparation methods, smelt is also quite healthy. As shown in Figure 3, it has low calories, only about 100 per fish, but a high nutritional value, with a high protein, Omega 3, vitamin, and mineral content (SeafoodSource, 2014). In addition, smelt has minimal cholesterol, saturated fat, and mercury (SeafoodSource, 2014).

Calories	97
Fat Calories	21.6
Total Fat	2.4g
Sat. Fat	0.5g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	60mg
Protein	17.6g
Omega 3	0.7g

Figure 3. Nutritional values of smelt

One health concern involves consuming smelt raw, as parasites may be transferred to the consumer (Maine Sea Grant, n.d.). Smelt contains no major health risks otherwise. Like many other fish, it is considered healthier than some mammalian meats, such as pork and beef. Overall, while fried versions may be less healthy, smelt by itself can be consumed regularly if available.

Indigenous significance

Fishing continues to be a popular indigenous food sourcing method. Historically, the Iroquois, Mi'kmaq and Algonquin dominated the St. Lawrence River and Atlantic, where smelt was prominent (Hayes, 2020). On the pacific coast, various Haida nations would also fish for surf smelt (Therriault & Hay, 2002). Historians estimate these groups inhabited this region from around 4000 years ago (OntarioGenWeb, n.d.). The Indigenous did not use European tools, though they developed their own effective fishing methods. Europeans were impressed when they encountered these methods, which exhibited extraordinary resourcefulness and tact. Specifically, regarding smelt, the indigenous would use dipnets and gillnets (Therriault & Hay, 2002). Gillnets are large non-maneuverable nets sunk over larger areas and pulled out once fish are within (Therriault & Hay, 2002). On the other hand, dipnets are handheld nets with a long handle, with an opening to scoop fish out of the water. Some Pacific groups, such as the Haida, would preferably use rakes to snatch smelt from the water (Therriault & Hay, 2002). America's first inhabitants may have used various other indigenous fishing techniques to fish smelt. One standard fishing method included using a weir; a net-like structure that is placed across rivers to catch fish as they return to larger bodies of water after reproducing (Stick, 2015). Weirs resemble fences, are made of reeds, and are anchored by poles (Mercado Silva et al., 2006). Some indigenous groups used spears, which they threw at individual fish (Mercado Silva et al., 2006). This method was less efficient and more time consuming; however, it was ideal for larger fish, less so for smelt (Mercado Silva et al., 2006). Aside from food, indigenous peoples used smelt as bait (CCPFH, n.d.). While smelt was abundant, and catching smelt was no challenge for indigenous peoples, smelt overpopulation in the 1980s led to a massive crash in smelt numbers (Kraker, 2012). Today, recreational fishing is the primary method of sourcing smelt. Very few find employment sufficient enough to support oneself by fishing it.

Conclusion

In summary, smelt has a rich indigenous history, and indigenous fishing techniques show resourcefulness and adaptability. Though becoming less common, humans did and continue to prepare smelt with diverse approaches, with both North American indigenous and European preparation methods.

References

1. Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters. (n.d.). History of fishing in Canada. History of Fishing in Canada. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from http://www.fishharvesterspecheurs.ca/fishing-industry/history.

2. Fuller, P., Maynard, E., Larson, J., Fusaro, A., Makled, T. H., Neilson, M., & Bartos, A. (2020, September 25). Osmerus mordax. Rainbow smelt (osmerus mordax) - species profile. Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=796.

3. GenWeb, O. (n.d.). A brief historical timeline of Ontario: Ontario genweb. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from http://www.geneofun.on.ca/ontariogenweb/ontario-genealogy-timeline.html.

4. Government of Alaska. (n.d.). Eulachon Species profile. Eulachon Species Profile, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=Eulachon.printerfriendly.

5. Government of Canada, F. and O. C. (2016, December 19). Government of Canada. Government of Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Communications Branch. Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/profiles-profils/american-smelt-eperlan-arc-en-ciel-eng.html.

6. Government of Canada, F. and O. C. (2014, March 24). Smelt 2007-2011 - Eastern New Brunswick Area. DFO. Retrieved October 20, 2021, from https://www.inter.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Gulf/FAM/IMFP/2007-2011-Smelt-ENB.

7. Government of Ontario. (2018, October 22). Rainbow Smelt. Rainbow smelt. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.ontario.ca/page/rainbow-smelt-0.

8. Hayes, A. L. (2020). Some geography. An overview of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Retrieved October 22, 2021, from http://individual.utoronto.ca/hayes/indigenous/indigenous2_overview.html.

9. Kraker, D. (2012, April 24). Smaller runs but smelt tradition alive and well in Duluth. MPR News. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.mprnews.org/story/2012/04/24/duluth-smelt-season.

10. Kuhnlein, H., & Humphries, M. (n.d.). Salmon. Salmon | Traditional Animal Foods of Indigenous Peoples of Northern North America - Animals - Fish - Searun Fish. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from http://traditionalanimalfoods.org/fish/searun-fish/page.aspx?id=6446

11. Maine Seafood Grant. (n.d.). Maine seafood guide - smelt - maine sea Grant - University of Maine. Smelt. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://seagrant.umaine.edu/maine-seafood-guide/smelt/.

12.McAllister, D. E. (1985). A revision of the Smelt family, Osmeridae. Micromedia Limited.

13.Mercado-Silva, N., Olden, J. D., Maxted, J. T., Hrabik, T. R., & Zanden, J. M. (2006). Forecasting the spread of invasive rainbow smelt in the Laurentian Great Lakes region of North America. Conservation Biology, 20(6), 1740–1749. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2006.00508.x

14.SeafoodSource Official Media. (2014, January 23). Smelt. SeafoodSuurce. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.seafoodsource.com/seafood-handbook/finfish/smelt.

15.Stick, D. (2015, April 14). Indian fishing and hunting. National Parks Service. Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.nps.gov/fora/learn/education/indian-fishing-and-hunting.htm.

16.Therriault, T. W., & Hay, D. E. (2002). Surf smelt (hypomesus pretiosus) in Burrard Inlet, British Columbia: A limited data assessment to address concerns about potential recreational overharvesting. Fisheries Assessment and Management in Data-Limited Situations, 901–917.

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18.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2015, March). ERSS - European smelt (osmerus eperlanus). ERSS - European Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus.