Health of critical forage fish the subject of new scrutiny

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - One of the most important species of fish in the ocean's food chain is getting a close look to help determine the health of its population.

Two arms of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are working on an assessment of the menhaden stock. The commission is an interstate board that regulates coastal fisheries.

Menhaden are small, schooling fish that play a critical role in the ocean's health because they are important food for whales, larger fish, seabirds and others. They're also harvested commercially for use as fish oil and aquaculture feed.

The Atlantic States commission said the health of the menhaden population will be the subject of meetings in Arlington, Virginia, in early April.

The meetings will serve to inform the management of the Atlantic menhaden fishery.