Forage Fish: Little Fish With a Big Impact

Forage fish play a crucial role in marine food webs in many ecosystems. These small fish are the primary food source for a myriad of marine mammals, seabirds, and larger fish, transferring energy throughout the marine food web. However, forage fish are also an increasingly valued commodity. One primary challenge for fisheries managers is determining a level of forage fish catch that accounts for their important ecological role in the larger marine environment. Science can provide critical knowledge to inform these decisions.