Atlantic menhaden

• The reason for declining reproduction rates of Osprey, a raptor species, is said to be the overfishing of Menhaden, a tiny fish of Atlantic system.

ABOUT ATLANTIC MENHADEN (BREVOORTIA TYRANNUS)

• It is also known as Fatback, Bunker, Pogie, Mossback.
• It is found in coastal and estuarine waters from Nova Scotia to northern Florida.
• They are large in numbers by volume, along the Atlantic Coast of the United States.
• Primarily consume phytoplankton and zooplankton.
• It can feed variety of organisms like –
  • Fish – striped bass and weakfish.
  • Other marine animals – whales and dolphins.
  • Birds – Bald eagles, Great blue herons & brown pelicans.
• They are a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, so they are used to develop human and animal supplements.
• Menhaden isn’t usually sold for food as it has a pungent flavor and is very bony.
• Threats
  • Overfishing by commercial fishing industry for their use in Food products like fish oil, fish meal etc.
  • They are also caught for their use as bait for crabs and lobsters.
• IUCN Status – Least Concern.