These photographs captured off the coast of Eastern Long Island, New York are proof that conservation works.

In 2012, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission established the first-ever coastwide catch limit for Atlantic Menhaden, a keystone species whose population had dwindled by about 90% due to overfishing. Often referred to as the most important fish in the sea, Menhaden, a small 6-10” omnivore, play a vital role in maintaining the marine ecosystem. They feed on zooplankton and phytoplankton, effectively filtering and cleaning the water as they swim. They also serve as prey for numerous larger species.

Within six years of enacting this catch limit, Menhaden populations returned to stable levels. The positive impact was unequivocal as water quality improved, and whales, sharks, dolphins, and other animals returned closer to the shore than in any living memory.

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Sutton Lynch