Talbot Green Hands has joined other groups and individuals concerned about protecting our region’s ecology in advocating tighter limits on the Atlantic menhaden reduction fishery at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Menhaden is the main food source for both ospreys and rockfish, which populated our county’s waters in great numbers until recently. Those prized creatures are disappearing from the whole Bay due to industrial-scale taking of menhaden in waters off the Virginia coast.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC.org), which regulates the menhaden fishery, will decide at its annual meeting in November whether to lower the cap on the tonnage the fishery may take. The public comment period closes on October 9. Talbot Green Hands encourages everyone in the county who wishes to preserve our natural resources to submit comments. Our comment letter, which includes specific recommendations on options the Commission is considering, is attached for reference.
Alternative ways to submit comments follow:
- Online via the public comment survey
- Online via comment box
- Email: comments@asmfc.org (subject line: Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II)
One Response
The risk/reward calculation is glaring. Lower the Cap. Grinding up Menhaden for a few is overwhelmed by the health of natures treasures brought to us by the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.