ASMFC Approves Harvest Reductions, but More Protection is Needed
(PROVIDENCE, RI)—Yesterday, the future of menhaden and the critters that rely on them received promising news with a rougly 30 percent cut to the Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishery Cap. Often called “the most important fish in the sea, menhaden serve as a critical pillar in the Chesapeake Bay’s food chain. While menhaden are valued as bait fish, they are also targeted as a “reduction” fishery, which reduces the oily, calorie-dense fish into livestock feed, fish oil, fertilizers, and other products.
In recent years, scientists have raised alarm bells after seeing disturbing warning signs in the Bay’s food web. There are rising concerns about whether the current level of the menhaden harvest is sustainable. Notably, species that rely on the menhaden, such as the osprey and striped bass, are declining at alarming rates.
The menhaden fishery is managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), a deliberative body comprised of the states on the Atlantic coast. Last month, the Choose Clean Water Coalition and 54 of its member organizations urged the Commission to cut the Bay’s reduction fishery cap by 50 percent and distribute the harvest under the cap more evenly throughout the fishing season. During their annual meeting, the ASMFC voted to reduce the Chesapeake Bay cap by 27 percent in 2027 and 34 percent in 2028. In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Policy Manager Sara Ramotnik issued the following statement:
“Menhaden may be small. But their role in the Bay is enormous. Which is why we are cautiously optimistic following the vote by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to reduce the Atlantic Menhaden Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishery Cap by roughly 30 percent.
“We are seeing unambiguous signs throughout the Chesapeake Bay that something is wrong. Osprey nests are empty. Striped bass are receiving poor health reports. Bait fishermen are catching less menhaden. While many factors could be at play with these impacts, there are strong suspicions that the last remaining reduction fishery on the East Coast is playing a significant role.
“To make the best management decisions, we need to invest in comprehensive research and fill critical data gaps. The lack of menhaden science in the Chesapeake Bay makes it even more difficult to understand the impacts on wildlife, communities, and fisheries. With the recent investments from Congress and the Commonwealth of Virginia to support a menhaden abundance survey, we expect updated and sound menhaden research which will better reflect their population numbers.
“It is vital that we protect the Bay’s valuable menhaden population to ensure its sustainability. While the Coalition and 54 of our member organizations urged a 50 percent reduction, we are hopeful that the roughly 30 percent reduction will make a positive impact for the Bay’s menhaden fishery and the wildlife and communities that rely on it. We are grateful for the states who supported strong conservation measures for Atlantic menhaden.
“We look forward to the results of the menhaden abundance survey and will continue to urge for further reductions to the menhaden fishery cap in the Chesapeake Bay until then.”
The Choose Clean Water Coalition is an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 325 local, state, regional and national groups to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake region.
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Media Contact:
Drew Robinson
Choose Clean Water Coalition
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org
