Stop overfishing rollbacks

Last summer, we fought to protect "the most important fish in the sea� from factory fishing giant, Omega Protein. You helped us push the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to finally limit factory fishing for menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay.

Now, Omega has used their clout with the Virginia Governor to push a watered down proposal that would be a big step backwards � increasing the cap and granting industry favorable treatment with "underages." This means that if the fishery failed to catch the full quota in one year, the deficit would be added to the catch limit for the following year.

Please let your ASMFC commissioner know that you expect them to protect this vital species and not let Omega Protein and its allies derail the course of a multistate commission. The most important fish in the sea needs you.

Step 2: Read the letter we've provided. Feel free to edit it.

Dear Commissioners,

I am writing to urge you to reject proposals to increase the cap on menhaden fishing in Chesapeake Bay, and to prevent harvest underages from being added to the following year�s quota. Though the ASMFC�s decision last August to establish a cap in the Bay did not go far enough to protect coastal ecosystems or fishing communities, the recognition that some limits on the fishery are needed was a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, despite concerns about serial depletion, recruitment failure, declining stock levels, and reports that striped bass are going hungry, the cap has yet to be implemented. Another season has gone by of watching Omega Protein vacuum schools of menhaden out of the Chesapeake Bay, the most important remaining nursery area for the species. Rather than take action to ensure Virginia�s compliance with the cap, the ASMFC has chosen to consider a proposal that would exceed the decided limit decided by 4,000 tons annually. The proposal also would give the industry favorable treatment with regard to any "underages," meaning that if the fishery failed to catch the full quota in one year the deficit would be added to the quota for the following year. With menhaden stocks at historic lows, this is no time for the ASMFC to be watering down the timid decision you made last year. If anything, stronger measures are needed to allow menhaden populations to recover to the point where they can once again fill their vital ecological functions, and to give scientists and regulators time to develop a sustainable, ecosystem-based management plan. Thank you for this opportunity to comment.

"Sincerely," and your name and contact information will be added to the end of the letter.

(Please only click once.)

Privacy Policy: We will send you updates by e-mail. You can remove yourself from the mailing list at any time. Read the full privacy policy here.

Report a Problem

702 H Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 462-1177

Stop overfishing rollbacks

Step 2: Read the letter we've provided. Feel free to edit it.

©