FIGHT FOR
THE FISH
Tiny fish, titanic impact on American marine wildlife
Menhaden, an unsung ocean hero
Menhaden, also known as pogies or bunker, are a little-known but critical fish for the roles they play in the marine ecosystem.
A type of “forage” fish, they serve as a primary food source for whales, dolphins, birds, and many popular game fish like striped bass, bluefish, and redfish.
A healthy menhaden population is essential for maintaining the balance and productivity of our coastal waters.
Alarmingly, menhaden face immense fishing pressure from two foreign-owned companies that harvest these fish in staggering quantities.
The Threat of Industrial Fishing
These operations remove hundreds of millions of menhaden annually, processing them into low-value fish meal and oil.
This large-scale extraction deprives American marine wildlife of a crucial food source and threatens coastal communities' economic resources.
The impact reverberates through the ecosystem, affecting countless species that depend on menhaden for sustenance.
Moreover, it jeopardizes lucrative recreational fisheries and other businesses that rely on abundant menhaden schools.
Despite menhaden's critical ecological role, current fishing practices prioritize short-term industrial gains over long-term ecosystem health and sustainable local economies, posing a significant threat to the delicate balance of our coastal waters.
That’s why menhaden need your help.
Atlantic menhaden
Atlantic menhaden are a crucial forage fish that support marine ecosystems along the East Coast.
However, the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery removes hundreds of millions of these vital fish each year, processing them into fish meal, oil, and supplements.
Menhaden Defenders works to reform the management of this fishery to account for menhaden's ecological importance and protect the species and people that depend on them.
Gulf menhaden
In the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf menhaden play a similarly important ecological role as a key prey species for fish, birds, and marine mammals.
The Gulf menhaden reduction fishery is the second largest fishery by volume in the U.S., but currently lacks comprehensive management and monitoring.
Menhaden Defenders advocates for science-based management of Gulf menhaden that prioritizes their value as forage.
About us
Menhaden Defenders is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Atlantic and Gulf menhaden. We engage in the fishery management process, conduct public outreach and education, and support research to improve our understanding of menhaden's ecological role.
Our mission is to ensure that menhaden populations are healthy and sustainable, so they can support marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Take action. Join us. Give.
Visit our Take Action page to find the latest opportunities to make your voice heard, from signing petitions to contacting decision-makers.
Join our email list to stay informed about chances to advocate for menhaden conservation.
Donations support our work to defend forage fish through research, education, and participation in the management process.
Menhaden in the news
Keep up to date with the latest menhaden fishery updates and conservation efforts. And share!
"The Biggest Little Fish You've Never Seen"
"The Biggest Little Fish You've Never Seen," co-produced by McKeever Films, Inc., reveals the critical role of menhaden in our Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico ecosystems. This compelling documentary explores:
Impacts of large-scale industrial fishing
Uses of menhaden in products from animal feed to supplements
Effects on ocean health and coastal communities
Watch the full, 74-minute version here. Or check out the shorter version at this link.
Uncover the extraordinary story of these unsung marine heroes and gain a new perspective on conservation and sustainable fishing.
Our Partners in Conservation
At Menhaden Defenders, we recognize that the fight to protect menhaden and our marine ecosystems is a collaborative effort. This section honors the dedicated groups and individuals who stand alongside us in this crucial mission.
Together, we form a powerful alliance committed to the conservation of menhaden and the preservation of our coastal waters.
Save Our Menhaden
Website: www.saveourmenhaden.org
Mission: Dedicated to the restoration of menhaden, a keystone forage fish, to its historic levels in the Chesapeake Bay, Gulf of Mexico, and adjacent coastal waters.
Key Focus Areas:
Atlantic Coast: Addressing overfishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia coastal waters
Gulf Coast: Tackling unrestricted fishing in Louisiana and concentrated fishing in the Mississippi River Delta ecosystem
Advocating for sustainable fishing practices and ecosystem-based management
Notable Initiatives:
Campaigning to restrict reduction fishing to Federal waters (3+ miles offshore)
Promoting management for maximum abundance rather than minimal sustainability
Raising awareness about the ecological importance of menhaden through educational content and documentaries
Mobilizing public action through petitions, legislative engagement, and grassroots organizing
How They Make a Difference: Save Our Menhaden exemplifies comprehensive advocacy for menhaden conservation. They combine scientific research, policy analysis, legal action, and public education to create a multi-faceted approach to protecting these crucial fish. Their work spans both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, addressing the unique challenges in each region while emphasizing the broader ecological importance of menhaden.
Key Achievements:
Supported the passing of a resolution in Northampton County, VA, calling for a ban on industrial menhaden fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia state waters
Actively involved in legal actions and petitions to challenge current fishing practices and regulations
Produced and promoted educational materials, including documentaries and news articles, to increase public awareness
Get Involved: Visit their website and Facebook page to learn about current action alerts, sign petitions, and find ways to contact your representatives about menhaden conservation issues.
We are proud to stand with Save Our Menhaden in our shared mission to protect these crucial fish and the ecosystems they support. Their comprehensive approach to advocacy and education aligns closely with our goals at Menhaden Defenders, making them a valuable partner in the fight for sustainable marine ecosystems.
Gotham Whale
Website: gothamwhale.org
Mission: To study, educate about, and advocate for marine mammals in the waters around New York City through citizen science.
Key Focus Areas:
Research on humpback whales and other marine mammals in the New York Bight
Citizen science initiatives to collect data on marine mammal sightings
Education programs for students and the general public
Advocacy for marine mammal protection and conservation
Notable Initiatives:
Maintaining the NYC Humpback Whale Catalog to identify individual whales
The WANTED project, enlisting citizen scientists to report marine mammal sightings
"Science at Sea" educational programs for students
Partnerships with commercial whale watching vessels for data collection
How They Make a Difference: Gotham Whale plays a crucial role in monitoring and protecting marine mammals in one of the busiest urban coastal areas in the world. Their citizen science approach engages the public in conservation efforts, while their research contributes valuable data on whale populations and behavior. By combining research, education, and advocacy, Gotham Whale raises awareness about the presence of whales in New York waters and the need for their protection.
Key Achievements:
Documented the increasing presence of humpback whales in New York City waters
Published peer-reviewed research on humpback whale occurrence and vessel risk in New York and New Jersey
Developed educational programs reaching thousands of students and adults
Established a network of citizen scientists contributing to marine mammal research
Get Involved: Visit their website to report marine mammal sightings, join a whale watching trip, or become a member to support their research and conservation efforts.
Gotham Whale's work aligns closely with our mission at Menhaden Defenders, as the health of menhaden populations directly impacts the whales and other marine mammals they study. Their focus on citizen science and public engagement provides a model for involving communities in marine conservation efforts.
BECOME A DEFENDER
Join the chorus of American citizens advocating for:
Sustainable, equitable fishing practices
Protection of vital marine ecosystems
Transparent, science-based management
Preservation of coastal community heritage
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