CFMC UPDATES
MAY 2021
I n t h e C a r ib b e a n F i s h e r y M a n a g e m e n t C o u n c i l ( C F M C ) ' s b u lle t in y o u w ill f in d a n n o u n c e m e n t s , f a c t s a b o u t m a r i n e s p e c i e s , a n d v a lu a b le i n fo rm a t io n o n f is h i n g a n d r e g u l a t io n s t h a t r u l e t h i s a c t i v i t y i n P u e r t o R i c o a n d t h e U S Virg in Isla n d s.
FORAGE FISH DO YOU KNOW THEM? By: Dr. Álida Ortiz Sotomayor
SOME OF THE MOST COMMON FORAGE FISH SPECIES IN THE CARIBBEAN
NOAA Fisheries defines forage fish as “small schooling species that serve as prey for larger commercially and recreationally important fish, as well as for marine mammals and seabirds. Anchovies, herring, chub mackerel, and sardines are some common forage fish”. Forage fish are a fundamental part of marine food webs. They feed on plankton and convert energy from lower trophic levels into food for larger fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.
Ballyhoo (Hemiramphus brasiliensis) are nearshore surface-swimming species that form dense schools, often in association with each other.
Scaled Herring (Harengula jaguana) is a gregarious species inhabiting the neritic environment and commonly schools around mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds, and surf zones.
Photos: Fish Base Red Ear Herring (Harengula humeralis) is a gregarious species inhabiting the neritic environment and commonly schools around mangrove shorelines and seagrass beds.