Recent developments in the 2025 Atlantic Menhaden Stock Assessment Update, released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), have exposed a critical issue that demands our attention. A dramatic error in natural mortality (M) estimates has massive implications for reassessing recent quotas and setting new ones going forward. You
What’s going on? The “most important fish in the sea” just exposed one of the biggest management failures in decades. A new assessment shows Atlantic menhaden natural mortality was inaccurately estimated for years, causing quotas set 300 million pounds too high. A significant, immediate reduction is necessary to align with
Mario CampoFisheries Ecologist, Southeastern Louisiana UniversityScience and Policy Associate, American Saltwater Guides Association This discussion explores the status of Gulf Menhaden stocks, their ecological and economic role in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and potential strategies for sustainable fishery management. Forage Fish Overview The term “forage fish” addresses any fish
Fisheries management along the Atlantic coast is a mess, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) continues to prove why with its latest moves at the 2025 Summer Meeting, held August 5-7 in Arlington, VA. Striped bass, lobster, and redfish are in trouble. Those are the three most economically
Do you remember your driver’s test? How nervous were you when the instructor pulled out the clipboard and you checked your mirrors five times? There is a very similar dynamic when commercial boats have observers on board. As an aspiring driver, you will put that blinker on ahead of time,
Feature Photo: A small school of snook off the coast of Florida. Credit: Peter Leahy | Shutterstock An important dynamic of fisheries management is the stock assessment, which provides the critical estimates necessary for setting sustainable fishing regulations. For advocates participating in the management process for our marine resources, this
To the uninitiated, stepping into the fisheries policy space can feel daunting. Many “first timers” can relate. They’re drawn to this world through their passion for fishing and the experiences they dearly cherish. The first time commenting can be nerve racking, but when you get a chance to contribute to
The Striped Bass Board Meeting on Wednesday will review the results of the stock assessment update. Technical Committee conclusions (or lack thereof) and Board decisions have huge implications on rebuilding the stock and the long-term sustainability of this resource. The 2024 Annual ASMFC Meeting is a big one, with many
A staple of the Northeast forage base and a favorite prey of bluefin tuna and striped bass, Atlantic herring remains at near historic low biomass levels, according to the new 2024 Management Track Assessment. Subject to intense fishing pressure since the early 2000s, declared overfished in 2020, under a rebuilding plan
GIVE THE GIFT OF FISHERIES CONSERVATION THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. SHOP ASGA GOODS THAT FUND FISHERIES RESEARCH & ADVOCACY CAMPAIGNS
JOIN ASGA IN CALLING FOR CRITICAL MANAGEMENT ACTION AFTER YEARS OF SPAWN FAILURES & POOR MANAGEMENT.
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