TAC numbers for the ches bay are based on menhaden in the atlantic not the bay.  despite all evidence to the contrary and with no verifiable proof omega claims that they are not overfishing in the bay and last year they couldn’t even catch their bay limit due to the lack of menhaden from years of overfishing.  it’s well past time that an actual study and count of bay menhaden was done and if omega is right the study will prove that.  if omega wants to fish the bay they should be required to pay for the study to prove that they are not overfishing.  

any future bay tac numbers must be based on bay count numbers not atlantic ocean numbers.  omega is well equipped to fish in the atlantic so they will not have to end operation or cutback on numbers - they just have to pause fishing the bay until an accurate bay study and accounting can be completed.  canadian owned omega is in the bay with the permission of virginia. no one else even allows them in their waters.  if they wanted to be good stewards they would not only welcome a study that sets a reasoned limit that would insure they could work the bay for years to come.  the way they currently operate shows that they are not invested in the health of the bay they are only there to take its bounty and make money. their loyalty is to the bottom line not the people of reedville.  once they bay is emptied of menhaden they will pack up and leave.