Menhaden are a vital forage species for many species in the Chesapeake Bay. The reduction fishery results in reduced forage for Striped Bass, Ospreys, Bluefish, and more. 

Estuaries like the Chesapeake must be protected from industries like the reduction fishery. You cannot remove forage species like menhaden from an estuary without negatively impacting the environment. Losses in Striped Bass and Osprey seem to reflect this.

More study is needed, and in the meantime, this menhaden need to be allowed to recover.