Brevoortia Tyrannis -

Menhaden are filter feeders. They swim with their mouths open, filtering phytoplankton and zooplankton from the water column, which helps clean estuaries.

They are found in both estuarine and coastal ocean waters, often forming massive schools. 2. Ecological Importance (The "Most Important Fish") brevoortia tyrannis

They are harvested using purse seine nets, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. Menhaden are filter feeders

The meal is a key ingredient in animal feed, including aquaculture, poultry, and pet food. and marine mammals (whales

Management is conducted under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission ( ASMFCcap A cap S cap M cap F cap C

They are a crucial food source for predatory fish (striped bass, bluefish, weakfish), seabirds, and marine mammals (whales, dolphins).