Osprey, a bird once seen as a symbol of revival in the United States, is now facing a serious decline in reproduction in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia. The species recovered after the pesticide DDT was banned in 1972, but new research led by Bryan Watts of the Center for Conservation Biology at William & Mary showed that many pairs now raise fewer than 0.5 chicks each year. The main reason is the shortage of menhaden, a small fish rich in nutrients for young birds. Without enough of this food, many chicks starve, creating what scientists warn could lead to an inevitable drop in the population if no action is taken.

Menhaden fishing is a major industry worth more than $200 million, with companies such as Omega Protein and Ocean Harvesters leading the trade. The fish are used for oil, animal feed, and bait. Industry groups argued that fishing is sustainable, saying that other pressures like pollution and climate change also accelerate the osprey’s decline. Environmental groups, however, warned that numbers may continue to deteriorate unless stronger steps are introduced. Regulators are now considering quota limits and seasonal closures to safeguard the population. The situation has created controversy, with conservationists calling for strict measures and businesses defending their practices. Experts noted that this case shows the difficulty of balancing economic value with nature’s needs.