California Assembly Votes to Protect the Ocean’s Food Web Today, the California Assembly acknowledged the critical role forage species play in maintaining a healthy marine food web by passing Assembly Bill 1299, sponsored by Oceana and introduced by Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael). Forage species, like sardines, herring, and market squid, are truly the “heartbeat” of the ocean forming the foundation of the food web–which in turn benefits everything else that eats these small food fish. Oceana commends the Assembly for their support of this forward-thinking legislation. “Because forage species are critical to the health of our oceans, we need a state policy that recognizes their importance and ensures careful fisheries management decisions in the future,” said Assemblymember Huffman. AB 1299 provides a much needed change in the way California manages its fisheries by establishing a state policy that will for the first time consider how much forage should be left in the ocean. This bill will require that new Fishery Management Plans for these species managed by the state not only account for their value if they are caught, but also their value as food for other fish and wildlife if left in the water.