PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - A big decision about the future of a little fish is attracting the attention of ocean conservation groups.
Industry players are petitioning the Marine Stewardship Council to certify the menhaden (men-HAY-den) fishery as sustainable. The London-based council's sustainability certification is one of the most recognized seafood labels in the marketplace.
Many of the species the council certifies are popular food fish that are well-known to consumers, such as tuna and sole. Menhaden is used for products such as fish oil, pet food and aquaculture feed, and it's the subject of a huge fishery on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
Environmental groups such as the Louisiana-based Recirculating Farms Coalition said they are concerned there isn't enough data to certify the fishery and they fear it's being rushed through.