Senators Push for Substantial Reduction in Chesapeake Menhaden Harvest

A conservation issue surrounding menhaden, a critical marine species in the Chesapeake and along the Atlantic coast, has prompted calls for immediate and substantial reductions to the hundreds of millions of fish allowed to be harvested annually. Ten members of Congress, led by Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, joined a letter urging strong conservation measures for the species. Maryland is the state most affected by the current level of harvesting.

The demands for reduced menhaden harvesting directly impact the commercial fishing and processing industry in Maryland. Menhaden is an important food source for millions of other marine species, including rockfish, whales, and sharks, making the conservation effort relevant to the health of the Chesapeake ecosystem.