Date: 9/28/26 11:29 am From: MICKY KOMARA via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Please speak up for the OSPREY before OCT 9
OSPREY ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE. They are struggling to find enoughfish to eat, particularly menhaden. Soon, the Atlantic States Marine FisheriesCommission will decide how much menhaden in the sea they will leave for thesemagnificent birds.
What follows is a sample public comment from nationalAudubon. (CT Audubon, I’ve been told, is recommending Option B2.)
Sample comment:
Menhaden are one of the most important fish on the AtlanticCoast. They are vital not just as a food source to the birds and fish that callthe coast home, but also as a key forage fish species that many of our baitfisheries, coastal communities, and small businesses rely on. The Ospreypopulation has struggled in recent years, and it has become clear that ahealthy menhaden population is critical to the health of the entire ChesapeakeBay ecosystem.
As a concerned stakeholder, I want to thank you for theopportunity to comment on Draft Addendum II. I support the following managementoptions:
3.1: Options C1e and C2a. I support a precautionaryreduction in the Bay Cap by 50% of the current 51,000 metric tons for thereduction fishery. This will help increase the number of menhaden available inthe Chesapeake Bay, an important nursery for Atlantic menhaden.
3.2: Option B2. I support the establishment of three quotaperiods for the Bay Cap at a 25/25/50% harvest distribution percentage perquota period. This will help reduce food competition for birds like ospreyduring the most vulnerable times of their life cycles.
3.3: Option B. I support reviewing the Chesapeake Bay Capevery 3 years. This gives the Commission the ability to plan and react tochanging conditions and new information.
These options best support the Chesapeake Bay and ensure thehealth of our birds, people, and planet.
Sincerely,
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