Legislation recognizing the critical role forage fish play in the marine ecosystem was introduced by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) on April 29, 2021.
Sportfish are part of a food web that must remain intact if each of its component parts is to thrive. Forage fish, such as herring and sardines, provide food for nearly all recreationally important fish species, as well as seabirds and other marine life. At the same time forage fish are experiencing unprecedented fishing pressure to help satisfy the world’s growing demand for protein, from feeding farmed fish and livestock to fertilizer.
As human demand for these nutrient-rich species continues to increase current marine fisheries policy remains largely mired on a traditional single-species management approach that fails to account for the unique role forage fish play in feeding the commercially and recreationally-important marine fisheries.
The Forage Fish Conservation Act would amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to require the Secretary of Commerce to develop a definition of forage fish, as well as improve the conservation, monitoring, and management of prey fish species. It would require federal fisheries managers account for impacts on both the forage fish and those species dependent on the prey fishes before allowing harvest on any currently unmanaged forage species.
“Forage fish may be small, but they have a mighty impact and this legislation will ensure they are protected,” declared Senator Blumenthal. “Small schooling fish like herring, sardines, and anchovies provide essential sustenance to bigger fish, whales, seals, osprey, and other treasured marine wildlife in the Long Island Sound, supporting local economies and recreation. Many of these small fish are also a key part of the commercial fishing stock, essential to the regional economy.”
“Recreational fishing supports nearly 10,000 jobs in Missouri and contributes $1.3 billion to our state’s economy,” observed Senator Blunt. “It’s an important part of our tourism industry, a boon to local businesses… This bill will help ensure forage fish populations are where they need to be to keep the recreational and commercial fishing industries thriving.”
In 2014, the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management, chaired by Bass Pro Shops Founder and CEO Johnny Morris and Maverick Boat Group Founder Scott Deal, released a report identifying the need for improving management and conservation of forage fish.
This finding was further endorsed as a primary finding captured in AFFTA’s report, “Recommendations to Improve the Health and Sustainability of America’s Marine Fisheries,” released in February. The Blue Ribbon Panel of scientists and managers convened by AFFTA identified the goal of managing for abundant recreational fisheries by ensuring forage fish are managed in a way that acknowledges their role as a food source. Again and again, panel members reinforced the message that it is impossible to successfully manage for abundant sportfish over the long-term without taking into account the food chain that supports them.
Striped bass with menhaden. Photo courtesy of Cheeky
The Forage Fish Conservation Act has been endorsed by a number of other national organizations including the American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, International Game Fish Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.