Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2021

The Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2021 aims to protect small, schooling fish—such as sardines, herring, and anchovies—that serve as a vital food source for larger fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. The bill would require federal regulators to officially define "forage fish" and account for the dietary needs of the broader marine ecosystem when setting catch limits for commercial fishing. Additionally, it would prohibit the start of new commercial fisheries for these species until their impact on the environment is fully assessed, while specifically adding shad and river herring to federal management plans in the Atlantic.