Big Win for Menhaden Is Big Win for Whales, More | Pew

Описание: Menhaden may be small fish, but they’re a big food source for whales, striped bass, seabirds, and more along the U.S. Atlantic coast. In fact, they’re a key reason humpbacks are returning to New York City.

On August 5, East Coast fishery managers voted to shift the way they manage this forage fish (or bait fish) to better conserve predators. Ecosystem-based fisheries management like this looks at species as parts of an interconnected food web—leading to healthier populations of prey and predators alike. In the case of menhaden, this shift will mean major benefits for a diverse array of people who depend on coastal environments for their livelihoods.

Learn more about the new method of managing menhaden: https://pew.org/2XxnNfl

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TRANSCRIPT

“Each year since we’ve started, we’ve seen more whales and dolphins. And this year has been the best year yet.”

Humpback whales are returning to New York City. It’s a sign of a big comeback for a little fish.

“The humpback whales are feeding on a fish that is known as menhaden, or bunker. Very oily, very nutritious. If the bunker wouldn’t be here, the whales wouldn’t be here, the dolphins wouldn’t be here. They support the basis of the food chain for many species in the area.”

Menhaden are America’s second-most caught fish. They’re mainly used in animal feed and fish oil.

Only 10 years ago, there was no coastwide catch limit. But a remarkable transformation is underway.

“You notice that little bit of darkness in the water, that’s all menhaden, schooled up menhaden.”

East Coast managers will now set ecosystem-based catch limits, so enough menhaden remain for the animals that depend on them.

That’s a big win for whale watchers, birders, anglers, commercial fishermen, marine wildlife.