The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has received the completed 2014 Atlantic Menhaden Benchmark Stock Assessment which finds that the menhaden fishery has less of an impact now than in its modern history.
This assessment, called the most comprehensive evaluation of Atlantic menhaden ever conducted by the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition, also contains some of the most positive indicators for the health of the species over the past 60 years.
It reveals that current fecundity levels are among the highest since the 1970s and roughly 170% higher than the target levels set by regulators to ensure a healthy fishery. This indicates that, for now, the stock has more than enough reproductive capacity to sustain the species into the future and continue to support an important coastal fishery.
While fecundity is estimated to be near record highs, fishing mortality has hit an all-time low. This result follows years of low and declining fishing effort which began long before the heavy allowable harvest cuts in 2012.
According to the new assessment, current fishing mortality is well below both the current reference points set by the ASMFC and the more conservative reference points recommended in the new assessment. The Menhaden Fisheries Coalition said that this means that the menhaden fishery currently has less of an impact on the menhaden population today than at any point in its modern history.
The Menhaden Fisheries Coalition is a collective of menhaden fisherman, related businesses and supporting industries comprised of over 30 businesses along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, representing over 94% of menhaden commercial landings.
Mercator Media Ltd 2015