The adverse effects of commercial fishing gear dragging the sea floor are well documented and understood.  Virginia, for example does not allow bottom trawlers inside state waters.  Purse seines, when used correctly, do not impact the seabed.    Worldwide, purse seines are typically used in deep water for pelagic species.  

Virginia allows purse seining for menhaden inside the Chesapeake Bay.  The average depth of the bay is only 21 feet.  The depth (width) of the purse seines are 60 feet.  The nets are weighted at the bottom and frequently touch state-owned bottomlands disturbing marine organisms, shellfish and their habitat.  In addition, weighted nets stir up sediments that can reduce sunlight penetration, change water chemistry and release carbon stored in the mud, which can contribute to global warming.  Considering that there are 10 large menhaden steamers operating in the bay, averaging 100 trips per year, the damage to the benthic environment is chronic and significant.  

I urge the VMRC to enact appropriate purse seine gear restrictions to protect our state bottomlands and living marine resources from unnecessary harm.