The PNW is a leader on forage fish management — but it needs better data A U.S. Senate bill highlights West Coast progressiveness in managing fisheries, but even our region is a long way off from really knowing what’s out there. by NOAA researchers examine a forage fish called eulachon—also known as candlefish—along the Columbia River. (J.Zamon/NOAA Fisheries) Endangered species like salmon and orca get lots of attention in Washington. We painstakingly track their numbers, and each new baby, individual death or a population crash has the potential to spur international reactions. But some species they rely on rarely achieve recognition.