I DO NOT support this petition.

Menhaden have been harvested sustainably in this region for 148 years. The science confirms the stock is not overfished and no overfishing is occurring, with a 0% chance of overfishing, even at increased harvest levels. The fishery is also certified by MSC, which is the gold standard of global fisheries certifications; confirming a healthy stock, sustainable fishing methods, and robust fishery management. 

Pushing menhaden fishing out of the Chesapeake Bay would cripple the economy of the Northern Neck and is not supported by any data or anecdotal evidence. The Menhaden harvest in the Chesapeake Bay is at historically low levels, and the Bay cap is not supported by any science. Recent surveys over the past several years by MD DNR show record levels of juvenile menhaden (as well as other forage species) in the upper region of the Chesapeake Bay. This positive trend in menhaden and other forage fish suggest that the forage base in the Bay remains robust, supporting predators such as striped bass, bluefish, and birds. Additionally, even though rockfish are overfished, recent studies by VA, MD, and Potomac River Fisheries show the rockfish surveyed are very healthy, indicating they are well fed.

Please support our multi-generational, local, hardworking Virginia watermen, as well as our local economy and do not consider this petition.