Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) appreciates the opportunity to submit comments in support of this petition.

The hickory shad migration in the Rappahannock River remains relatively strong but faces increased pressure as runs in other rivers decline. Allowing continued unlimited harvest of this species that has an unknown stock abundance is problematic, therefore a cautious approach is warranted. 

A daily creel limit of 10 hickory shad per day is a step in the right direction of creating consistency across watersheds in Virginia and surrounding states. 

Thank you for your consideration and we ask that you support this petition.