U.S. representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) and Brian Mast (R-Florida) have reintroduced legislation that would change federal management of forage fish like herring and shad, ensuring that those stocks are abundant enough to support predator species.
“Forage fish like sardines, herrings, and anchovies are the backbone of the ocean foodweb, providing essential prey for larger fish such as tuna, salmon, and cod, as well as marine mammals and sea birds.” Dingell said during a House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries hearing on 4 June. “These small fish play a major role in supporting fisheries vital to coastal communities. However, these populations have experienced substantial decline because of human activity, which threatens the viability of marine ecosystems as well as opportunities for recreational fishermen. Currently, there are few management measures in place to address this decline, and that's why this bill is so important.”
The Forage Fish Conservation Act would ...
