October 26th, 2016 — A commission that assesses the health and viability of the menhaden population in the Gulf of Mexico says despite massive commercial hauls, the menhaden population is sound.
The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission calls it a stock assessment for menhaden.
Steven J. VanderKooy, a fisheries coordinator with the commission, which has an Ocean Springs, Mississippi office, told The Sun Herald despite the fact that millions of pounds are hauled in each year, they are thriving.
The fish is caught for cat food and fish oil supplements and is a favorite food of large game fish.
The assessment was completed as a cooperative effort of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Texas and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Read the full story from the Associated Press at Decatur Daily