Opposing Increases in Atlantic Menhaden Catch Limits
Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club 2017 Position
To: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
(Kirby Rootes-Murdy krootes-murdy@asmfc.org)
The Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club (SFEC) is an organization of 200 members located in Strathmere, Cape May County, NJ. The position of the SFEC is to completely oppose any limit-increase in the Menhaden commercial catch. Menhaden are critical to the sustainability of a healthy Striped Bass population and the removal of more than the current allowance will have a dramatic negative impact and effect on the Bass population as well as on other fish species that are dependent on this food source. In addition, Menhaden are a water filtering fish that is critical to maintaining clean water off our NJ coast. They also play a key role in the food chain in estuaries and bays. Described by some biologists as literally “The Most Important Fish in the Sea,” Menhaden provide a source of protein for predators ranging from Bluefish and Striped Bass to Osprey and Bald Eagles. Healthy and stable Menhaden populations have helped the upward growth and stabilization of marine mammals, including the growth in Atlantic Humpback Whale numbers and several species of Atlantic Seals. WE urge the ASMFC to NOT increase the current commercial poundage of Atlantic Menhaden.
The Strathmere Fishing & Environmental Club (SFEC)
November 30, 2017