Purse seine fishing in the Chesapeake Bay is detrimental to the overall menhaden population as it is a breeding ground for them and other species. Studies have shown that the Osprey population in the Bay is starving due to menhaden depletion. The practice causes harm to many species in the region, to recreational and commercial fisheries, and to the economies of communities around the Bay. Virginia should join other states in banning the practice.

Chris Lumpkin
Colonial Beach, VA