I have been fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and adjacent rivers for over 55 years and still don't understand why the Reedville menhaden fleet is permitted to use their nets in shallow waters. These activities continue to catch far too many unintended fish, crabs, and other valuable resources that can't escape.

I strongly recommend VMRC begin a regulatory process to determine more appropriate management of purse seines in the Chesapeake Bay. Personal observations and the media coverage of the most recent net spills have confirmed the need for improved regulations. I appreciate your careful consideration of this important issue.