Menhaden are a very important link in the Bay's food chain. They are filter feeders primarily feeding on algae. Knows as a "keystone species", they form the link between the lower and upper levels of the Bay's food web.

Many other fish species prey on menhaden. These include: striped bass, flounder, mackerel, weakfish, drum, bluefish, and sharks. Birds including egrets, osprey, bals eagles, seagulls, and herons also prey on menhaden.

As filter feeders they remove algae (a symptom of nutrient pollution) from Bay waters, helping to improve water quality.

Commercial fisherman use small planes to spot large schools of menhaden. The planes radio large factory ships who use purse nets to harvest the school. Commercially, menhaden are an important source of protein for livestock feed (poultry, swine, aquaculture), and are used in the production of omega-3 oils for human consumption. They are also used by commercial and sports fishermen as bait.

Evidence of a declining menhaden population include malnutrition and disease among predator species.