I support Petition 394 to reduce the contamination from unregulated wastewater discharge from industrial menhaden vessels into Virginia waters. The estimated water quality standards in Chesapeake Bay are 70% below the target necessary to fully support the survival, growth, and reproduction of its living resources. Nutrient inputs like nitrogen and phosphorus harm sportfish survival, especially in summer months when surface temperatures rise.

While the wastewater discharge from the menhaden reduction industry's factory in Reedville is regulated and permitted, the daily discharge from menhaden fishing vessels of vacuum pump water, which contains contaminants including nitrogen, phosphorous, and suspended solids like feces and scales, is not. This nutrient-laden, oxygen-deprived, contaminated water is currently discharged overboard. It is time to regulate this contamination from the industrial menhaden fishery, which pollutes Virginia waters each day by discharging into them what is akin to liquid fertilizer.

Managing the amount of surface water contamination, especially as Chesapeake Bay water temperatures rise and critical seagrass habitat is in danger, is paramount. Implementing permitting regulations to limit wastewater discharge from menhaden fishing vessels in Virginia waters is just common sense. Our water quality, our communities, and our iconic fish and wildlife will benefit greatly through this act of stewardship.