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NCMC Calls on State of Virgina To Implement Menhaden Cap

We were pleased to report to you in August 2005 that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's (ASMFC) Menhaden Management Board took final action to set a limit on the amount of menhaden that can be taken from Chesapeake Bay. The Commission capped the harvest of the reduction fishery (not the bait fishery) at 105,800 tons, the average catch over the last 5 years. This cap is to remain in place for at least 5 years, while a new research program is underway to better understand the menhaden overfishing problem.

To be in compliance with the ASMFC's ruling, the State of Virginia must implement a cap on the menhaden reduction fishery in its waters of the Bay in 2006. Maryland, the only other state bordering the Chesapeake, already prohibits fishing for reduction in its state waters. NCMC is now urging Virginia to include this cap in the legislative package for the upcoming 2006 session of the Virginia Assembly.

For more information, read NCMC President Ken Hinman's letter to Governor-Elect Tim Kaine

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