Osprey Population Decline Raises Alarm in Chesapeake Bay

GLOUCESTER POINT, Va. (AP) — Bryan Watts, a seasoned biologist, has witnessed a concerning trend in osprey populations near the mouth of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay. Standing on a weathered duck blind in the York River, he observes a failed osprey nest now occupied by diving terns, symbolizing a troubling decline in these majestic birds.

“The birds never laid here this year,” Watts notes, adding that this pattern has become increasingly common over the last few years.

A Deep Connection with Ospreys

Watts shares a unique bond with ospreys, having climbed to their nests to free them from plastic entanglements and monitored their eggs with telescopic mirrors. Once a conservation success story thanks to the banning of DDT in 1972, the fish-eating raptors, known for their impressive dives and distinct sounds, now face new challenges. Despite their recovery to thousands across the U.S., Watts documents a decline in successful chick fledging, particularly around the Chesapeake Bay, primarily attributing it to diminishing menhaden populations.

Menhaden: A Key Player in Osprey Reproduction

Menhaden, a small, oily fish vital to ospreys’ diets, have seen a steep decline. Without this key food source, many osprey chicks are starving in their nests. The resulting decrease in reproductive success has stirred controversy among conservationists, fishing industry stakeholders, and regulators. While the fishing industry argues for sustainability and downplays the impact on osprey populations, Watts warns of a potential plunge to levels not seen since the era of DDT.

Clashing Views on Causes

The fishing industry, which has harvested more than 1.1 billion pounds of menhaden annually since 1951, counters Watts’s claims. Spokesman Ben Landry of Omega Protein, a major player in menhaden fishing, argues that declines in osprey breeding are occurring even in regions devoid of harvesting. Factors such as climate change, pollution, and development could be at play.

Call for Caution in Fisheries Management

Watts emphasizes that ospreys represent significant environmental indicators. He has published studies demonstrating that to maintain their population, osprey pairs need to rear an average of 1.15 chicks each year. In many parts of the Chesapeake, that number has dropped to less than half. The correlation between menhaden scarcity and nesting failures cannot be ignored, he suggests.

Potential Regulatory Changes Ahead

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, responding to growing concerns about osprey population dynamics, is considering new regulations. Proposed management strategies include seasonal closures, quota restrictions, and limitations on fishing gear. Fishery management plan coordinator James Boyle affirmed that while osprey numbers have seen increases since the DDT era, the noticeable declines since 2012 warrant attention.

Environmentalists Urge Immediate Action

While conservationists are pushing for immediate measures to protect the osprey population, labor leaders in the fishing industry express concerns about job losses. Retired union executive Kenny Pinkard argues that the fishing industry is being unfairly targeted, while environmental advocates warn that without quick intervention, the iconic bird may face steep declines. Chris Moore of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation insists that immediate action is essential to sustain both the environment and the livelihoods of those dependent on fishing.

“Ospreys have been a success story,” Moore concludes. “However, we now risk a significant decline in their numbers if we fail to address these challenges.”