Dear Virginia Marine Resources Commission,

I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the petition filed by the Chesapeake Legal Alliance and Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization regarding Atlantic menhaden, the Chesapeake Bay, and the reduction fishery.

I strongly endorse the proposed measures, especially those aimed at avoiding localized depletion of the menhaden resource. Implementing a precautionary moratorium on purse seine landings in the Chesapeake Bay, setting limits on harvest from federal waters, establishing a 1-mile shoreline buffer, funding a comprehensive menhaden population study, and enhancing industry oversight are critical steps toward ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource.

It is crucial to address the potential localized depletion and its impacts on the Bay ecosystem. By supporting these regulations, we can contribute to maintaining a balanced and thriving marine environment in the Chesapeake Bay.

I appreciate the Virginia Marine Resources Commission's dedication to public input, and I urge you to prioritize these measures to safeguard the menhaden resource and prevent localized depletion.

Thank you for your commitment to sustainable fisheries management.

Sincerely,

Matthew Shoultz