But even if the National Marine Fisheries Service accepted the proposal, Maine fishermen who use the two types of herring for bait may not be affected because of the species’ stronger populations in this area.

The Natural Resources Defense Council is arguing that the once-abundant alewife and blueback herring — referred to jointly as “river herring” — occupy an important spot in the food chains in both the ocean and the freshwater rivers where they spawn. A wide variety of fish species, including tuna and cod, as well as eagles, seals and other animals feed on river herring.

Read the complete story from The Bangor Daily News.