Few species can survive hypoxic (low-oxygen) areas, which have less than 2 mg of oxygen per liter of water. Blue crabs require dissolved oxygen levels of at least 3 mg/L, while striped bass need 5 to 6 mg/L. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
According to current assessment thresholds, menhaden are not experiencing overfishing. Reduction fishery (that which breaks the fish down into meal and oils) has decreased significantly as reduction plants have closed along the coast. The second fishery is for bait, which has increased as limitations have been set for other bait fisheries (such as Atlantic herring).
Biomass and fecundity are both used to measure menhaden. Biomass levels fluctuate as high-spawn year fish age, while fecundity measures the reproductive capacity of the fish. The fecundity threshold is 57,295 eggs and the target 99,467 eggs. The 2016 level was 83,486 eggs. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is working to set two stock assessment benchmarks, one a single-species assessment of menhaden and one that seeks to measure the ecosystem impact of menhaden as a forage fish and filter feeder. The benchmark assessments will be peer reviewed at the end of 2019. You can read more about these assessments and menhaden levels on the ASMFC website: http://www.asmfc.org/species/atlantic-menhaden.
Although man has created the issue due to runoff what is the status of the biomass of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay as menhaden are the only fish that actually eat the algal blooms?
This is well researched and will report it. I appreciate the level of detail to make the argument of the effects of climate change in this particular geographic area.
Oh no! Thank you for your reporting on this!
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
Comments
According to current assessment thresholds, menhaden are not experiencing overfishing. Reduction fishery (that which breaks the fish down into meal and oils) has decreased significantly as reduction plants have closed along the coast. The second fishery is for bait, which has increased as limitations have been set for other bait fisheries (such as Atlantic herring).
Biomass and fecundity are both used to measure menhaden. Biomass levels fluctuate as high-spawn year fish age, while fecundity measures the reproductive capacity of the fish. The fecundity threshold is 57,295 eggs and the target 99,467 eggs. The 2016 level was 83,486 eggs. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is working to set two stock assessment benchmarks, one a single-species assessment of menhaden and one that seeks to measure the ecosystem impact of menhaden as a forage fish and filter feeder. The benchmark assessments will be peer reviewed at the end of 2019. You can read more about these assessments and menhaden levels on the ASMFC website: http://www.asmfc.org/species/atlantic-menhaden.
Although man has created the issue due to runoff what is the status of the biomass of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay as menhaden are the only fish that actually eat the algal blooms?
This is well researched and will report it. I appreciate the level of detail to make the argument of the effects of climate change in this particular geographic area.
Oh no! Thank you for your reporting on this!
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
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