Sitka Tribe researchers are studying how far herring eggs travel when they share.

Alaska’s Sitka Tribe researchers are trying to figure out how far herring eggs travel from hand to mouth each spring — and beyond.

The distribution network for herring eggs is complex and distant. It is estimated that 87% of the eggs collected from Sitka are donated, and eggs are often shared before reaching their end user.

Kyle Rosendale is a tribal biologist. He said they have been surveying harvestmen in the post-season since 2002. This year, they are expanding their survey efforts to include the eggs collected by hemlock branches in Setka Sound each spring.

“We got some feedback from people, and we realized there’s a lot of information we don’t have about the herring egg distribution network,” Rosendahl said. “We ask harvesters about meeting their needs and how they share herring eggs in a post-season harvest survey. And this survey looks at the other end of the distribution network. How do end consumers meet their needs? How do you get eggs? “

Rosendale said they’ve received about 200 responses so far. The survey takes about five minutes, and they’re looking for anyone living in Sitka, Southeast Alaska or remote areas who likes to eat herring eggs for a living.

We know they are going to Juneau. We know you are going to Bethel. We know they go to Hawaii and Ohio,” says Rosendale. “We’re hoping to hear from those people how they’re getting eggs from some people, and if they’re able to meet their own needs and share them with everyone they want to share them with.”

Rosendale says the tribe hopes the data will paint a picture of the general availability of herring eggs in the area and inform future research. Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win cash prizes.

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