"John H" wrote in message
news
On Thu, 05 May 2005 00:12:22 GMT, "Doug Kanter"

wrote:


"John H" wrote in message
. ..
On Wed, 04 May 2005 21:21:35 GMT, "Doug Kanter"

wrote:

"John H" wrote in message
m...


Over fishing for menhaden is affecting the water quality and other
species
of
fish in the bay. The government will probably put more restrictions on
sport
fishermen and say they've done a good job.

How does it affect water quality?


From: http://www.chesbay.org/forageFish/menhaden.asp

"Atlantic menhaden are the most important and one of the most abundant
fish
species in the Chesapeake Bay. During summer months, these fish swim in
large
schools and their silvery bodies can often be seen near the water's
surface.
Juveniles primarily feed on zooplankton, but adults are mainly
herbivores,
but
retain the ability to feed on zooplankton. The adults are very adaptable
and
will feed on several species of phytoplankton, as well as suspended
organic
plant detritus. Atlantic menhaden are an ecologically critical fish
species.
They consume and redistribute a significant amount of energy within and
between
the Chesapeake Bay and other estuaries, and the coastal ocean. This is
due, in
part, to their tremendous numbers, individual growth rate, filter
feeding
capacity, and seasonal movements. An adult fish can filter up to a
million
gallons of water every 180 days. ***A healthy Atlantic menhaden
population
has
the potential to consume up to 25% of the Bay's nitrogen in 1-year.***
Menhaden
are also an extremely important prey species for many predatory fish
such
as
striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, and spanish mackerel. Because or their
schooling behavior, they are also a favorite target for the common loon,
herons,
egrets, ospreys, and eagles.

Amazing! It's like....if the filter on your aquarium dies when you're on
vacation!

Good analogy. The bay's dead spots are no longer 'spots'.

http://www.cbf.org/site/PageServer?p...facts_deadzone


--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Come on down to NO and the wetlands south. Plenty of fish, hunting, decent
weather, occasional killer hurricane to thin out the bad bloods. Good eats,
too.