Help prevent the collapse of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, now underway due to a critical shortage of food for key predators such as osprey, rockfish, and blue crabs.
Industrial Reduction Fishing is Devastating Wildlife and Degrading Our Waters
Menhaden, the primary forage food for the ecosystem are no longer available due to an industrial fishing quota of 112 million pounds (51,000 metric tons) removed annually (2022-2025) with no allowance for feeding the creatures in the ecosystem - no quota is set aside for fish, birds, and crustaceans.
Nobody knows how many Menhaden are in the Bay as compared to the 112 million pounds quota. However, Osprey nests are failing to produce chicks on what was once the world’s largest nesting grounds. Rockfish (Striped Bass) populations are in collapse due to starvation. Blue Crab populations are at or near all-time lows.
What is Our Goal?
The goal of this group is to establish an industrial fishing moratorium in the state of Virginia until a study can be completed and a plan developed to ensure that sufficient forage is available to restore the ecosystem to historical levels of abundance. Virginia is the only state on the East Coast of the United States that allows industrial fishing in state waters.
Why are Menhaden Important
Menhaden are one of the most important fish in the sea and are critical to the health of our coastal ecosystems.
Reduction Fishing Hurts the Ecosystem
In 2023, over 1.8 BILLION Menhaden were killed on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts to make industrial products.
How You Can Help
There are so many ways you can get involved and do your part to restore Menhaden to its historic levels.