Distribution

Gulf menhaden range throughout the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula to Tampa Bay, Florida; however, they are most abundant in the north-central Gulf. Their life cycle includes offshore spawning, mostly during winter, with recruitment to and maturation in nearshore rivers, bays, bayous, and other nearshore habitats.  Upon maturation, the fish return to offshore waters to complete the cycle.

Menhaden grow rapidly as they filter feed on an abundant supply of plankton in estuaries, with most reaching maturity at age-1. Menhaden are  prolific and are abundant throughout nearshore waters where they form large schools, usually of the same size and age class. 

Gulf menhaden are distributed throughout most of the Gulf, and as a result they come under the jurisdiction and authority of several federal and state agencies. Since menhaden are predominantly found in state territorial waters, the five Gulf states exercise direct management authority over the stock.