Menhaden Matter is a unique cooperative effort of concerned conservation and recreation organizations, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Coastal Conservation Association, Environmental Defense and the National Coalition for Marine Conservation, dedicated to protecting the ecological role of menhaden and the Chesapeake Bay.

MENHADEN MATTER STATEMENTS:

On On the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Adopting Meaningful Menhaden Harvest Limits for the Chesapeake Bay

On Virginia's Action to Seek Compliance with the ASMFC Cap on the Harvest of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay

On Friday July 21st, NOW on PBS ran a story on menhaden and their importance to the Bay.

Please click here to view. The menhaden segment begins a full 8 minutes into the program.

Please click here to view Menhaden Matter's new advertisement asking Governor Kaine to CATCH THE CAP!

Read the latest report, Menhaden Math (PDF)

The Economic Impact of Atlantic Menhaden on Virginia's Recreational and Commercial Fisheries. Commissioned by American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association, National Coalition for Marine Conservation and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

Atlantic Menhaden are small, oily fish that play a major role in the health of marine ecosystems up and down the Atlantic Coast.

Vital to the Chesapeake Bay

Menhaden are especially important to the overall health of Chesapeake Bay, the biggest estuary in North America and the third largest in the world. As principal filter feeders of the bay's waters — second only to oysters, which are already grossly depleted — menhaden feed on plankton and decaying plant matter.

They are also the primary source of food for many popular sport and commercial fish, including striped bass, which spawn in the bay and rely on juvenile menhaden for the bulk of their diet.

But, the important role menhaden play in the marine ecosystem is now at risk. Common sense conservation measures should be taken immediately by the appropriate management bodies.

Find Out More!

• Read the report, Menhaden Math (PDF) Commissioned by American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association, National Coalition for Marine Conservation and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.
• View our brochure, Menhaden Matter to Virginia.
• Read our latest press release, Menhaden Matter Statement - On the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Adopting Meaningful Menhaden Harvest Limits for the Chesapeake Bay
• Read our report, Menhaden Matter (PDF)
• Read the Executive Summary
• Read Menhaden Netters Threaten Chesapeake, published in Salt Water Sportsman