Atlantic fisheries regulators adopted a modest 20% menhaden quota reduction for 2026, despite new assessments showing populations are 37% lower than previously thought and recommending 54% cuts. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s action addresses coastwide concerns, whilst signs of decline intensify in Chesapeake Bay. Maryland now harvests under 10% of its quota, impacting crab fisheries through increased bait costs. Osprey chicks are starving at unprecedented rates. The ASMFC initiated a separate process to develop Bay-specific management options. Chesapeake Bay Foundation criticised the reduction as inadequate, calling it “performative” ecosystem management that jeopardises dependent fisheries.