Atlantic Menhaden
Ranked #7,276 in Pets & Animals, #182,343 overall
Menhaden - Bunker - Pogy
This page introduces the reader to Atlantic menhaden, a small fish with a big controversy surrounding it.
Menhaden, once dubbed "the most important fish in the sea," are an essential food source for marine fish, mammals and birds.
Menhaden are also harvested in great numbers and processed into fish oil, fish meal, and other products. Small scale fisheries also exist in several states, harvesting menhaden for use as fish, lobster, or crab bait.
Menhaden, once dubbed "the most important fish in the sea," are an essential food source for marine fish, mammals and birds.
Menhaden are also harvested in great numbers and processed into fish oil, fish meal, and other products. Small scale fisheries also exist in several states, harvesting menhaden for use as fish, lobster, or crab bait.
Contents at a Glance
Atlantic Menhaden Basics
The Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) is a toothless herring with a blue, blue-green or blue-brown body. The sides, fins and belly are silvery, often with a yellowish sheen. The maximum size of menhaden is approximately 15 inches. Other names include bunker, mossbunker and pogy.They are a vital part of the Atlantic coast ecosystem. Menhaden filter the water as they feed which contributes to their importance. Menhaden are also an important prey species for many of the fish in their habitat. Menhaden are found along the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia, Canada to central Florida.
There are two major commercial fisheries for menhaden. A reduction fishery lands menhaden for purposes of producing fishmeal, oil, and solubles. A separate bait fishery captures and sells menhaden for bait for both commercial and recreational fishing needs. Menhaden are a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, which has been shown to cut risks of heart disease and possibly other diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Menhaden Links
Fresh Seafood
seafood recipes, news, events, information, buying more...2 points
Is Fish Oil Really Good for You?
Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, Omega-3 fatty aci more...1 point
Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay
0 points
2009 Atlantic Menhaden Management Highlights
In February 2009, The Atlantic Menhaden Management Board met to receive updates on several items.Cooperative research, involving industry spotter pilots from Omega, Ark Bait, and state and federal scientists, was initiated during the 2008 season. Spotter pilots submitted to scientists weekly logs that record observed number of schools and estimated number of fish per school.
The scientists in turn are developing indices to track relative abundance over time. Improvements in the research can be made for the 2009 season with a modest investment of funds.
The Board confirmed the members and purpose of a Chesapeake Bay Menhaden Guidance Group that it created at its October meeting. The Group's long term goal is to identify research and monitoring programs to support assessment and management and to develop and implement a long term funding strategy.
The Board also received an update on the Policy Board's intent to task the Management and Science Committee and Multispecies Technical Committees with monitoring this issue. The Menhaden Board will discuss specific guidance for those Committees at its May meeting.
The benchmark stock assessment for menhaden is scheduled for peer review in March 2010. The next step in that process is a data workshop meeting in May 2009 to compile data and continue discussion about which model or models will be used in the assessment.
Cast Nets for Catching Menhaden
Cast nets are excellent tools for catching small menhaden, also known as "peanut bunker". They work well in shallow areas, along shorelines and from boats. Probably the most effective technique for catching peanut bunker is to visit a shallow area after dark where lights are present. Bunker are attracted to the lights and will congregate within casting range. To catch bait effectively, a quality cast net is important. Cheap versions may not open or sink correctly, which allow fish to escape in some situations. Menhaden-related Information
Chesapeake Bay Menhaden Fishing
by daybreak
I enjoy fishing, boating and outdoor fun in Virginia.
- 372 featured lenses
- Top lens » Virginia Fishing Piers
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Fish Oil - Choosing The Best Fish Oil Supplement Fish Oil - Choosing The Best Fish Oil Supplement
- Omega 3 Benefits Omega 3 Benefits
- Cod Fish - Atlantic Cod, Pacific Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Whiting and Hake Cod Fish - Atlantic Cod, Pacific Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Whiting and Hake
- Bluefish Bluefish
- Atlantic Haddock Atlantic Haddock
- Keta Salmon Keta Salmon