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,
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
Feature Photo: A school of menahden captured by Tim Regan. The fisheries space has been busy since the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission Summer Meeting concluded last week. The ASGA team has been all over the map, involved with Mid-Atlantic Council meeting, North Carolina False Albacore Rulemaking, and expanding our cooperative
Feature Photo: A school of menhaden captured by Tim Regan Menhaden advocates from across the country tuned into today’s ASMFC Menhaden Board meeting. At one point, there were 163 people logged into the webinar. Why was this meeting so well attended? Because of a vague statement listed as the final
Feature Photo: Osprey in Flight After Catching a Menhaden Fish – Abeselom Zerit Menhaden are often referred to as the most important fish in the sea, and for good reason. Just about every fish, many marine mammals, and sea birds on the Atlantic coast eat them! Yet, menhaden management is often polarizing, lacking adequate
ASMFC Spring 2024 Meeting Recap: Striped Bass Release-Mortality Work Group, Acoustic Menhaden Survey, and Cobia Draft Addendum II. Feature Photo – Captain Brian Kelley releasing a healthy bass. Arlington, May 2024—This past week, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission met for its Spring 2024 meeting. As far as ASMFC meetings
ASGA submitted an official comment on the proposed Notice of Intent (NOI) for a new coastal buffer zone for menhaden operations off the coast of Louisiana. You can read the official comment below: RE: NOTICE OF INTENT Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Wildlife and Fisheries Commission Menhaden Season (LAC 76:VII.307) Thank
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.
By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. To learn more, please review our privacy policy.