Definition
oolachans
noun
- plural of oolachan; small, silvery fish of the smelt family found in North Pacific waters, valued for their oil
Usage: also spelled eulachon or oolichan; primarily used in Pacific Northwest contexts; historically important to Indigenous peoples of the region
Examples
- The oolachans migrate upstream each spring to spawn.
- Indigenous communities harvested oolachans for their rich oil content.
- Oolachans are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
- The decline in oolachan populations has affected local ecosystems.
- Fishermen traditionally caught oolachans using specialized nets.