Menhaden Crisis Threatens Osprey Survival | Virginia Beach News

Osprey chicks in Lynnhaven Bay are dying in nests not from predators or pollution, but from starvation—caused by a dramatic drop in their primary food source, menhaden. Since the 80s, menhaden deliveries to nests have plummeted by 80%, slashing the birds’ diet quality in half. These fish are vital to the entire Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, yet the fishing industry claims the problem isn’t local, ignoring how their fleets intercept menhaden as they enter the bay. Ocean Harvesters, the main operator, holds the real data but refuses to release it, hindering science and delaying solutions. The osprey’s plight is a warning: misinformation won’t save the bay, only truth and transparency can. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e9ca415564e5361a