what is menhaden?

Menhaden is a type of forage fish belonging to the family Clupeidae, which also includes herring and sardines. They are primarily found along the Atlantic coast of North America and are known for their high oil content, making them valuable in commercial fisheries. Menhaden play a crucial ecological role as a food source for larger fish, birds, and marine mammals. Additionally, they are processed for various uses, including fish oil, animal feed, and fertilizer.