Hello,

I urge you to support 4 VAC 20 ? 1270 to protect menhaden from excessive reduction fishing within the Chesapeake Bay.  Menhaden are most important fish in the bay, acting as a cornerstone forage species for striped bass, bluefish, sea trout, cobia, flounder, red drum, among others, and also birds such as ospreys, pelicans and gulls. In addition to being the nutritional base to the ecosystem, they are excellent at cleaning the water, with each fish capable of filtering thousands of gallons of water a day. 

It is time to act responsibly and protect menhaden, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay, from the excessive reduction fishing that benefits few but harms many.

Regards,

Alan Peltzer

Parkton, MD