Bill Introduced in Virginia to Conserve Menhaden

February 17, 2004

(Richmond, VA) – Delegate Terrie L. Suit (R-Chesapeake/Virginia Beach) has introduced House Bill No. 446 which directs the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to prepare and implement fishery regulations for one of the Chesapeake BayÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¾Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¢s most important natural resources: menhaden.

While menhaden are not edible by humans, they are one of the most important fish in the Chesapeake. Menhaden are the prime source of sustenance for striped bass, bluefish, weakfish and other predators so they serve an important role at the foundation of the food chain in the Bay.

Last year, an industrial fishing operation based in Virginia harvested over 261 million pounds of menhaden from the Chesapeake Bay.

“Year after year, enormous catches of menhaden by this industrial fleet have left many recreational fishermen concerned about the health of the Chesapeake Bay, their way of life and recreational fishing businesses,” said Jim Donofrio, Executive Director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA).

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has been seeking a legislative solution to address these concerns. The organization is firmly behind the Delegate Suit and will be pushing hard for HB 446.

“Recreational fishing contributes over $1.2 billion to the Virginia economy, adds to the quality of life of over 1 million residents and supports over 11,000 jobs in the state,” said Mr. Donofrio. “HB 446 is good for the Bay, good for recreational fishermen and good for recreational fishing businesses.”

A serious reduction in the menhaden stock not only hurts the stocks of important gamefish like striped bass, but it also forces these predators to eat other marine life such as crabs, clams, and oysters. Menhaden also contribute significantly to the quality of marine waters. Swimming close to the surface, these filter feeders ingest huge quantities of plankton and plant matter which improves water quality and holds down algae growth.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a national, grassroots political action organization representing individual sport fishermen and the sport fishing industry. The RFA Mission is to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers, protect marine, boat and tackle industry jobs and ensure the long-term sustainability of U.S. saltwater fisheries. For more information, call 1-888-JOIN-RFA.

Bill Introduced in Virginia to Conserve Menhaden

Last year, an industrial fishing operation based in Virginia harvested over 261 million pounds of menhaden from the Chesapeake Bay.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has been seeking a legislative solution to address these concerns. The organization is firmly behind the Delegate Suit and will be pushing hard for HB 446.

Share this article

Navigation Center Website Survey Request

We are eager to understand the primary reason for your visit to the Navigation Center website and how you use it, whether for recreational boating, professional purposes, data requests, educational reasons, or otherwise. Your feedback on the website’s ease of use, ability to find information, and if it’s your primary source for navigation-related information is crucial. We are committed to improving your experience and welcome any suggestions to enhance the site’s usability, information accessibility, and overall efficiency. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better meet your navigation needs.

Survey: Navigation Center Website Feedback Survey (surveymonkey.com)

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center Website Customer Feedback Survey Privacy Notice

Authority: 14 U.S.C. §504; 14 U.S.C §505; and Executive Order 12862.

Purpose: To collect data that will be used to analyze and determine the kind and quality of services customers want and expect, as well as their satisfaction with U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center services. To maintain confidentiality, respondents are advised not to include any personally identifiable information in their responses.

Routine Uses: This survey solicits information that the Coast Guard will use to gauge feedback and improve overall customer service. DHS/ALL/PIA-069 DHS Surveys, Interviews, and Focus Groups provides coverage for this collection.