"The Most Important Fish in the Sea"

One of the most important fish in the ocean is on the brink of collapse. Menhaden are a medium-sized fish with an enormous impact on marine wildlife. These silvery fish are a vital food source for ospreys, bottlenose dophins, and endangered humpback whales. They are also among the most overfished species in the sea.

Menhaden population has decreased by an astounding 88 percent over the last 25 years. These fish aren't destined for restaurants or supermarket. Instead, they are ground up to be used as pet food, fertilizer, and as "fish oil" in supplements.

A single $100 million corporation, Omega Protein, takes more than 400 million pounds of these vital fish out of the Atlantic every year. This can't continue.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) could finally help the depleted population recover by setting a coastwide maroatorium on menhaden.