What are the main concerns regarding menhaden fishing in the Chesapeake Bay?

Conservationists and some lawmakers are concerned that the current menhaden fishing practices are depleting fish stocks, negatively impacting other species like osprey that rely on them as a food source.

What do the proposed bills aim to achieve for the Chesapeake Bay menhaden population?

The bills seek to restrict menhaden catches, potentially halt purse seine fishing until impacts are studied, regulate harvest timing, and fund a dedicated study of the menhaden population by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

How might the proposed legislation affect Ocean Harvesters and its workers?

Ocean Harvesters argues that the proposed broad language could lead to permanent closure, threatening hundreds of jobs and impacting a largely minority, unionized workforce in a rural region with limited alternative employment.

Home / Environment / Fish Wars: Chesapeake Bay Faces Menhaden Crisis

Fish Wars: Chesapeake Bay Faces Menhaden Crisis

26 Jan

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Summary

Three bills filed to curb menhaden catches in Chesapeake Bay.
Fishery faces criticism for impact on other species and osprey.
Proposed legislation aims to study population and regulate catches.

Fish Wars: Chesapeake Bay Faces Menhaden Crisis

Virginia's General Assembly is considering three bills that could significantly impact menhaden fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Ocean Harvesters, the sole reduction fishery operating in the Bay, is facing increased scrutiny from conservationists and some lawmakers. Concerns are mounting over the menhaden population's health, with some arguing its decline affects other species, including starving osprey populations.

One bill, House Bill 1048, sponsored by Del. Betsy Carr, proposes a halt to purse seine fishing for menhaden until its impact on dependent species is scientifically proven. Ocean Harvesters contends this could lead to permanent fishery closure, jeopardizing hundreds of jobs in a rural area and disproportionately affecting a unionized workforce.