Alewives

Alewives are small freshwater fish native to North America, especially in the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding lakes and rivers. They are an important part of aquatic food chains, serving as prey for larger fish, birds, and mammals. Alewives also migrate from the ocean into freshwater systems to spawn, then return to the sea. They help maintain healthy ecosystems by contributing nutrients when they die after spawning. Sometimes, they are used for bait or fishmeal in industry. Their populations can impact local ecosystems, especially when they are introduced to non-native areas where they may become invasive.