Menhaden Defenders

November 14, 2012 By: Erin Block

Called “the most important fish in the sea,” Atlantic Menhaden populations are documented having an 88% decrease in the last 25 years: from 160 billion down to 20 billion fish (due in large part to over fishing by companies who turn the fish into valuable meal and oil). And with many sportfish such as striped bass, tuna, and bluefish, dependent on Menhaden as a vital foodsource, their decline is concerning for anglers and spells trouble for the ecosystem balance as a whole.

You can comment now through November 16th to let the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission know the importance of protecting Atlantic Menhaden from over fishing. For as the Menhaden Defender’s slogan goes, without bunkers there will be no bass.