Atlantic Menhaden

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.

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 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.

Maryland has prohibited menhaden purse seining in state waters (0-3 miles from the coast), and in Chesapeake Bay since before the 1950s. Purse seine fishing for menhaden takes place along the Atlantic coast and in the Virginia half of the Chesapeake Bay.