Small fish, big opportunity - KansasCity.com
Small fish, big opportunity - KansasCity.com Small fish, big opportunity By PETER BAKER AND PAUL SHIVELY By PETER BAKER AND PAUL SHIVELY Updated: 2012-10-25T12:10:40Z Sometimes the environmental challenges facing our oceans seem so large that it's hard to know where to start solving them. Changes in climate, degradation of habitat and rising demand to feed an ever-growing world population are just a few of the daunting ocean-related problems our nation faces. Over the past several months, however, a collection of conservationists, anglers and others have come together to urge federal policymakers to safeguard the array of species that serve as the foundation for a healthy marine ecosystem. And, to their credit, regional fishery managers on both coasts heeded the message these advocates delivered: If we want to protect the oceans, it makes sense to start small. Species such as menhaden, sardines and herring - commonly known as forage fish - are the lifeb