Menhaden are the "most important fish in the sea" as they serve as a food source for many other species of fish and birds throughout the Atlantic coastal region. In recent years we've seen an increase in bald eagles, osprey, blue heron and brown pelicans in the Chesapeake Bay especially as people move away from islands in the Chesapeake due to erosion and economic factors. While this is sad for the people who once called these islands home, it is great news for these species many of which were once in danger of extinction. All of these species depend on the menhaden as a critical food source. Please protect this keystone species for overfishing and save the bay.