Menhaden are one of the most crucial species at the base of the Bay food chain. Their abundance is key to all other life thriving. Please note the case study from New York Harbor:

NYC's Whale Population is Making a Comeback - Here's Why.

Menhaden (bunker fish) populations have surged in New York Harbor due to improved water quality and stricter fishing regulations since 2012. This abundance of prey has driven a dramatic, documented comeback of humpback whales, with sightings increasing from 3 in 2011 to over 300 in 2019. 

Key Details on the Rebound

Food Source: Menhaden are a key, high-fat, schooling fish that act as a crucial food source for whales, dolphins, and birds.

Cleaner Harbor: Improvements to the Hudson River and city water quality, spurred by the Clean Water Act, have allowed the ecosystem to recover.

Population Surge: Following fishing caps in 2012, menhaden numbers have risen sharply, leading to a visible return of marine mammals to the area, with 500+ whales observed in 2019.

Whale Resurgence: Humpback whales are now frequently sighted around the Statue of Liberty and the Rockaways, with whale-watching tours becoming common.

Conservation Impact: The Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act helped protect these populations, which are now reclaiming their old habitat.