Save the menhaden in Chesapeake bay
Time is running out to save menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay
Menhaden, a tiny fish that are vital to a healthy Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, are the target of a colossal foreign-owned industry with outsized political influence. This industry has consistently blocked commonsense regulatory reforms and sorely needed scientific research.
Virginia is home to the last industrial reduction fishery on the Atlantic coast. Without stronger guidance, the Chesapeake Bay and the communities that depend on it are at risk.
Background photo by CosmoVision Media
Why Menhaden Matter
When menhaden thrive, the Bay thrives
Healthy ecosystems
Menhaden are a cornerstone species of the Chesapeake Bay. A healthy menhaden population supports a thriving Chesapeake Bay.
Economic prosperity
Healthy menhaden populations sustain thousands of Bay jobs, from fishing and tourism to restaurants, bait shops, and hospitality.
Thriving communities
Menhaden quietly support the fish, wildlife, and traditions that define our communities.
Why Menhaden Matter
The tiny fish that backs the Bay
Menhaden, also called bunker or pogies, are small, nutrient-rich forage fish that anchor the Chesapeake Bay food web. By transferring energy from plankton to larger predators, they feed iconic species like striped bass, bluefish, osprey, whales, and dolphins.
Without reform, industrial menhaden extraction threatens Chesapeake Bay as we know it.
Here’s the challenge
- 1. Industrial extraction
Omega Protein, a subsidiary of Canada-based Cooke Inc., operates the Atlantic coast’s largest commercial fishery. Their processing plant grinds menhaden caught by Ocean Harvesters. This industry concentrates massive fishing pressure in and around the Chesapeake Bay, which is a critical nursery for countless species of fish and wildlife, including menhaden. Historically, the Bay has been a menhaden powerhouse, where menhaden eggs grow into juvenile and adult fish. Every other Atlantic state has banned industrial menhaden extraction. Virginia has not.
- 2. Blocked science and safeguards
More menhaden are harvested than any other fish species throughout the Atlantic coast. Yet efforts to strengthen menhaden science, monitoring, and regulation in Virginia have repeatedly been weakened or blocked by industry influence, leaving the Bay without modern protections, during a time of mounting scientific uncertainties, and intensifying ecosystem warning signs.
- 3. Mounting warning signs
The impacts are already visible. The Bay’s ecosystem is stressed. Small-scale watermen who target menhaden for blue crab bait report catches declining by more than 70% in recent years. Meanwhile, osprey chicks are starving at unprecedented rates in areas where menhaden were traditionally the primary food source.
Virginians want action
It’s clear that Virginians support action that protects the Bay.
- 92% of Virginia voters want to leave more menhaden in Chesapeake Bay
- 79% support halting industrial fishing in the Bay until science proves it’s sustainable
- 85% support moving large-scale menhaden fishing to ocean waters, protecting the Bay nursery
Virginians agree: we need to protect little fish from big industry.
Save menhaden to save the Bay
For decades, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has worked with partners and the Virginia General Assembly, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and affected communities to push for commonsense conservation measures that protect the menhaden population, and the jobs, and communities that depend on them. When it comes to our Bay’s future, we cannot allow a single corporate interest to decide our fate. Now is our moment to act for a healthier Bay and stronger communities. The time for change is NOW.
Now we’re inviting every Virginian to join the charge. Tell Omega Protein and Ocean Harvesters that the Chesapeake Bay is not for sale.
Here’s how we save our menhaden
1. Learn the facts
Understand why menhaden are essential to the Bay – and why industrial extraction puts them at risk. Read the fact sheet
2. Raise your voice
Sign the petition. Contact your delegate. Share on social media. Tell Omega Protein and the General Assembly: Virginians demand action.
3. A healthy Bay
With commonsense limits in place, menhaden can recover – supporting the families, businesses, and communities that rely on the Bay.