Bill Introduced in Virginia to Conserve Menhaden

(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 Bay’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

(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 Bay’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.