Fisheries regulator cuts menhaden catch limit, adopting uneasy compromise proposed by Maine

This year, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has decided to reduce the catch limit for Atlantic menhaden along the East Coast. A 9 percent cut is set for 2027, increasing to a 17 percent cut in 2028. The move was proposed by Maine as a compromise between commercial fishermen and conservationists. Menhaden are a crucial food source for larger marine animals and birds of prey, and their population is crucial for maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem.

The reduced catch limit is seen as a positive step by some, but commercial fishermen are disappointed, as they have been catching increasing amounts of menhaden due to reduced herring quotas. The fish are also a preferred bait for lobster fishermen, providing additional income for those who catch both species.