SEAFOOD SOURCE • October 29, 2025
he Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has chosen to cut the 2026 Atlantic menhaden quota by 20 percent for 2026, drawing criticism from the fishing industry and environmental groups alike. Fishing organizations like the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition have advocated for relatively light (15%) cuts to the stock. The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) said the cuts were steeper than needed. The Maine Lobstermen’s Association said the 20 percent cut was a vast improvement over the calls for 55 percent cuts. Environmental groups, meanwhile, were pushing the commission for cuts as deep as 55 percent.