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An expert task force recently finished a comprehensive analysis of how forage fish such as herring and anchovy affect the ocean food chain. They discovered that current fishing practices are far too high for most ecosystems and recommend cuttting the amount we harvest these smaller fish in half. 

Forage fish feed on small plants and plankton. In return, larger fish such as tuna and salmon as well as animals such as whales, penguins, and dolphins rely on large amounts of these forage fish for food. Because of this, forage fish are an essential link in the ocean food chain.

Dr. Ellen K., who led the task force, said, "As three-fourths of marine ecosystems in our study have predators highly dependent on forage fish, it is economically and biologically imperative that we develop smarter management for these small but significant species."

Read more about the study EurekAlert article.