They are a crucial food source for predatory fish (striped bass, bluefish, weakfish), seabirds, and marine mammals (whales, dolphins).
They are harvested using purse seine nets, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. brevoortia tyrannis
Due to their large-scale filtering, they play a critical role in managing water quality and controlling algae blooms in bays and estuaries. 3. Commercial and Industrial Uses They are a crucial food source for predatory
Management is conducted under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission ( ASMFCcap A cap S cap M cap F cap C and marine mammals (whales
), which sets quotas to ensure sustainability, especially considering their critical role as a forage fish. 5.