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Natural resources

Virginians Overwhelmingly Back Reforming Industrial Menhaden Fishery Amid Troubling Signs

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A recent poll reveals that 92 percent of Virginia voters support leaving more menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay, citing concerns over the impact of industrial fishing on the ecosystem. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has been advocating for better management of the Bay's menhaden resource, and the poll results demonstrate a strong consensus among Virginians for stricter management of the menhaden fishery. The CBF believes that pausing industrial menhaden fishing in the Chesapeake Bay until science can show whether concentrating the fishery here is sustainable is the safest approach.

Key Takeaways:

  • 92 percent of Virginia voters support leaving more menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay to support the ecosystem.
  • 79 percent of Virginians support ending large-scale commercial menhaden fishing in the Bay until science can show what fishing level is compatible with a healthy ecosystem.
  • 85 percent support allowing commercial fishing of menhaden in ocean waters, but not in the Chesapeake Bay where younger fish feed and grow.
  • 80 percent support allocating $5 million in state funding to a study to improve management of the menhaden fishery and answer longstanding concerns.
  • The Chesapeake Bay is home to the largest breeding population of ospreys on the planet, with unprecedented levels of starving osprey chicks reported in recent years.
  • The menhaden reduction industry has consistently delayed critical science proposals and common-sense conservation measures, including a menhaden study in Virginia's General Assembly earlier this year.
  • Omega Protein, a subsidiary of Cooke, Inc., has harvested over 100 million pounds of menhaden annually from Virginia's Bay waters using spotter planes, enormous purse seine nets, and vacuum hoses.
  • The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has expressed concern about the adequacy of data on menhaden abundances in Chesapeake Bay and has called for a precautionary approach to reducing purse seine fishing in the Bay.

Statistics:

  • 92 percent of Virginia voters support leaving more menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay.
  • 79 percent of Virginians support ending large-scale commercial menhaden fishing in the Bay until science can show what fishing level is compatible with a healthy ecosystem.
  • Over 100 million pounds of menhaden are harvested annually from Virginia's Bay waters by Omega Protein.
  • Maryland watermen reported a 70% decline in menhaden catches in recent years, while Virginia fishermen reported a decline of over 70% in menhaden bait harvest.
  • Omega Protein's harvest quota for Chesapeake Bay menhaden stands at 112 million pounds.
  • 85% of Virginians support allowing commercial fishing of menhaden in ocean waters, but not in the Chesapeake Bay.

Sources:

  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) news release: "Virginians Overwhelmingly Back Reforming Industrial Menhaden Fishery Amid Troubling Signs" (Sept. 4)
  • CBF poll conducted by New Bridge Strategy and FM3 Research (July 30-Aug. 5)
  • Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) website: "The Chesapeake Bay is the largest breeding population of ospreys on the planet" (n.d.)
  • Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) letter (April 7)
  • Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Menhaden Bait Harvest (2022-2024)
  • Virginia Marine Resources Commission: Menhaden Bait Harvest (2019-2024)

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