Maryland state study concludes young menhaden stock is strong

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released its 2024 juvenile striped bass survey results, highlighting a positive trend for two key forage species in the Chesapeake Bay: menhaden and spot. While striped bass reproduction continues to face challenges, menhaden abundance was nearly equal to last year, which was the highest recorded since 1990. Spot abundance reached its highest level since 1988. These species are crucial to the Bay’s ecosystem, serving as a primary food source for many fish and wildlife.

The annual survey, conducted at 22 sites across the Bay, monitored the reproductive success of striped bass and the abundance of other fish species. In 2024, over 56,000 fish from 56 species were captured. DNR emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that the survey provides strong evidence of a healthy menhaden population, despite some industry claims to the contrary.

Ben Landry, Vice President of Public Affairs at Ocean Fleet Services, praised the survey as further evidence of the fishery’s sustainability, which he attributes to collaborative efforts between industry, fishery managers, and scientists. The Atlantic menhaden fishery is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission repeatedly confirming that it is not overfished.

The issue of menhaden has been a longstanding concern for decades. Governor Ralph Northam, during his time as a State Senator, led the effort to move the management of the menhaden fishery from the Virginia General Assembly to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). However, the move did not ease the politically charged environment surround the issue. Multiple high profile spills in the summer of 2022 fueled the fire, with many asking for the quota to be lowered, while others called for the outright abolition of the menhaden fishery in the Chesapeake Bay.

In response, the VMRC voted to adopt a memorandum of understanding with Omega Protein, the largest menhaden fishing company in the Chesapeake Bay and a key pillar of the Reedville economy. Additionally, Virginia Institute of Marine Science’s study on the issue of localized depletion was killed last year in the Virginia General Assembly.

For further details, the full survey results are available on the Maryland DNR website.