Guys, the governor of VA has the opportunity to cap the amount of menhaden that are harvested every year. This forage fish is one of the most important fish for the east coast. It is a major part of the forage for striped bass, as well as a filter feeder that helps to keep the waters clean.
Please read the attached from Savethefish.org.
http://www.savethefish.org/action_it..._bass_EAN3.htm
SAVE THE STRIPERS
MENHADEN ACTION ALERT
Your help needed in implementing menhaden cap in Virginia
1/19/06 -- 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.
In the next 30 days, Virginia will make a decision that will dramatically impact the Chesapeake Bay and fish – like striped bass – that thrive in it. Virginia public officials will decide whether to cap the industrial harvest of menhaden. Often called the most important fish in the sea, menhaden are the prime food source for a variety of popular sport and commercial fish. Like oysters, they are also an important filter feeder for bay waters. The overall number of menhaden is near historic lows, and scientific studies show that striped bass, which rely on it as a major food source, are suffering from malnutrition, poor body condition and disease.
Your action is needed now. Please contact Virginia’s new governor, Tim Kaine, and tell him that menhaden matter and ask him to support the cap.
Sample letter:
Dear Governor Kaine,
With your leadership, Virginia has an opportunity to protect the Chesapeake Bay and many popular sport and commercial fish by adopting the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) decision to cap the industrial harvest of menhaden in the bay. The cap is a precautionary measure, based on sound science, that will maintain the catch at recent levels so that no jobs will be lost. Often called the most important fish in the sea, menhaden are a key food source for striped bass and other sport and commercial fish as well as a filter for bay waters.
Your leadership on this issue is critical. Please show Virginians that menhaden matter and support the ASMFC decision now. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely
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help save the Menhaden
