What was the menhaden TAC set to in 2012 and what have been the changes since? Thank you.
**In December 2012, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) approved Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. This established the first coastwide Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the species, set at 170,800 metric tons (mt) effective for 2013 (a ~20% reduction from the 2009–2011 average catch). (LINK)
This TAC remained in place for 2013–2014, with state-specific quotas based on 2009–2011 landings history (Virginia received the largest share at ~85%). It included provisions like a Chesapeake Bay reduction fishery cap (initially reduced to 87,216 mt) and bycatch allowances. (LINK)
### Key Changes Since 2012
The TAC has been adjusted periodically based on stock assessments (single-species and later ecological reference points or ERPs), with increases when the stock was healthy and reductions for conservation (especially to support predators like striped bass). Here is a summary of major TAC levels: (LINK)
– **2013–2014**: 170,800 mt (initial TAC). (LINK)
– **2015–2016**: Increased 10% to 187,880 mt (following 2015 stock assessment showing the stock was not overfished and overfishing was not occurring). (LINK)
– **2017**: Increased ~6.45% to 200,000 mt. (LINK)
– **2018–2020**: Increased to 216,000 mt. (LINK)
– **2021–2022**: Reduced 10% to 194,400 mt (early use of ERPs to account for menhaden’s forage role). (LINK)
– **2023–2025**: Increased to 233,550 mt (based on positive stock status under ERP management). (LINK)
– **2026**: Reduced 20% to 186,840 mt (one-year adjustment following a 2025 assessment update; provides time for further review before 2027+ decisions). This aims for 0% chance of overfishing but keeps fishing mortality between ERP target and threshold. (LINK)
**Overall trend**: The TAC started low for conservation after Amendment 2, rose as assessments showed a healthier stock, then incorporated ecosystem considerations (via ERPs adopted around 2020) with more cautious adjustments. Landings have generally stayed under the TAC. Allocation has also evolved (e.g., via Addendum I to Amendment 3 in recent years, using more recent landings data for portions of the TAC). (LINK)
For the absolute latest details or state-specific quotas, check the ASMFC website (asmfc.org/species/atlantic-menhaden), as the Board revisits TAC annually or multi-year based on science. Management also includes tools like episodic event set-asides and Chesapeake Bay caps.