The Menhaden Fish

http://www.fishbase.org/Photos/PicturesSummary.cfm?ID=1592&what=species

Most people have not heard of a fish called 'menhaden' but they are likely the most important fish in our lives. Humans are very unlikely to eat these fish, as they are small, oily and generally foul. However, the amount of menhaden caught per year exceeds the amount of all the other fish caught in the same time period combined. They are worth only 10 cents per pound once caught, but they can be dried, ground up and manufactured into kibble for land animals. They are a great source of protein for animals such as chicken, cows and pigs. These fish are also the food source for a variety of other fish, including tuna, mackerel, bass and cod.

The menhaden, however, were overfished, and it was worried that they would soon disappear altogether. If the menhaden population declines significantly, a hole is created in the food chain, and other organisms and fish that we need would begin to die off. When the number of menhaden were low, other fish began to become diseased as a result of malnourishment, and the fishing industry suffered. Their services as a filtration system are also very important to keeping the cleanliness levels of our water up so that the other marine organsisms stay healthy.

A conscious effort into the preservation of menhaden has been put into effect. While the stock is considered healthy today, it is worried that their population will begin to decline again in the near future. These fears have created the need for aquaculture, because it may be the mehaden's last chance at life.

A Critical Link In The Food Chain

http://newark.rutgers.edu/%7Ehbf/menhaden.htm