Menhaden Matter is a unique cooperative effort of concerned conservation and recreation organizations, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Coastal Conservation Association, Environmental Defense and the National Coalition for Marine Conservation, dedicated to protecting the ecological role of menhaden and the Chesapeake Bay.

ASMFC Takes First Step Toward Cap!

Working with Menhaden Matter, Maryland and Rhode Island led a successful effort at the February meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to advance a cap on the industrial harvesting of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. If the current regulation is finalized by this 15-state regulatory body, menhaden would be treated similar to every other fish caught for commercial and recreation purposes by setting catch limits.

The ASMFC will issue a draft addendum, which will outline the proposed cap, for public comment in May followed by a comment period and public hearings expected throughout the summer. The Menhaden Matter campaign will work vigorously in the coming months to ensure the participation of scientists, environmentalists, recreational anglers and citizens in this process. If enough support is generated for the cap, the regulation could be finalized as early as August 2005.

To read the Menhaden Matter Statement On ASMFC Action to Cap Menhaden Catch in the Chesapeake Bay, click here.

Atlantic Menhaden are small, oily fish that play a major role in the health of marine ecosystems up and down the Atlantic Coast.

Vital to the Chesapeake Bay

Menhaden are especially important to the overall health of Chesapeake Bay, the biggest estuary in North America and the third largest in the world. As principal filter feeders of the bay's waters — second only to oysters, which are already grossly depleted — menhaden feed on plankton and decaying plant matter.

They are also the primary source of food for many popular sport and commercial fish, including striped bass, which spawn in the bay and rely on juvenile menhaden for the bulk of their diet.

But, the important role menhaden play in the marine ecosystem is now at risk. Common sense conservation measures should be taken immediately by the appropriate management bodies.

Find Out More!

• Read our latest press release, Menhaden Matter Statement On ASMFC Action to Cap Menhaden Catch in the Chesapeake Bay
• Read our report, Menhaden Matter (PDF)
• Read the Executive Summary
• Read Menhaden Netters Threaten Chesapeake, published in Salt Water Sportsman