The menhaden reduction industry is wealthy, powerful, and has enormous amounts of technology at its disposal.  They are more than capable, under strict supervision and under threat of serious penalties, of using purse seine nets more safely for ocean wildlife, upon which millions of people and our ecosystems depend.  

The menhaden reduction industry benefits enormously from reducing the value of our ocean. The menhaden they catch at unbelievable rates would otherwise be feeding industries such as tourism, sport fishing, science, clean water and other aquaculture.  We don't "owe" the menhaden reduction industry; they owe us far more responsible and supervised practices.

PLEASE develop and strengthen strict regulations based on these important points:

1. The purse seine nets are not being used as they are intended.
2. Water depths less the 60’ do not allow for non-targeted marine life to escape
3. The use of these nets in water depths less than 60’ can cause damage to essential fish and shellfish habitat.
4. Depth restrictions will help avoid nets spills, net tears, and waste of the resource – which is beneficial for all stakeholders.

PLEASE take this seriously and be strong. Your legacy will be meaningful if you do better, meaning we will all do better. PLEASE STAND UP and be counted here instead of giving the greediest voice what it wants because it's how things are done. We're here to make a positive difference, not watch the world go by.  Please!