Virginia is the only state with coastlines on the Atlantic or Gulf coasts that allows reduction fishing in its state waters. Omega Protein, a heavy political player in Richmond, is the sole reduction fishery in Virginia. Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, introduced a bill authorizing a three-year study of "the ecology, fishery impacts, and economic importance of the Atlantic menhaden population" in the Chesapeake Bay to be done in collaboration with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, relevant stakeholders, recreational anglers, reduction and bait fishery sectors and nongovernmental organizations.
The bill was tabled until next year, which means it will be at least 2029 before a three-year study can be completed. All the while, Omega Protein is “reduction fishing” 350 million pounds of menhaden from our bay every year.
This study would have been the first ever conducted in the bay. All present outdated data comes from the Atlantic Ocean. Bay charter boat captains say their trips for rockfish are drastically reduced for three reasons: There are very few of these prized fish to be caught, the limit is one fish per person and the 2024 minimum size is now 24 inches. Why bother?
People are also reading…
In many areas of the lower bay, Osprey hatchling are failing to fledge because their parents cannot find enough food for them to eat. The primary food source for the Ospreys is Atlantic menhaden. Last year, Omega Protein fished out the schools of menhaden in Mobjack Bay, which caused a huge decrease in Osprey nests with fledged chicks. The chicks just starved to death. We need to ensure that their main food source stays healthy.
I am not trying to run this Canadian-owned company out of business, although the DOJ is pursuing two cases concerning their Canadian ownership. I just want them out of Virginia state waters, which includes our precious bay, until this study can be completed.
Tom Cowdrey.
Aylett.
