I am submitting comments on behalf of 461 individuals (list forthcoming) in support of Petition 392 to reduce the damage being done to fragile Virginia marine habitats and seagrass beds by industrial menhaden purse seine nets. Several people submitted personalized comments; others signed on to the comments below: 

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I support Petition 392 to reduce the damage being done to fragile Virginia marine habitats and seagrass beds by industrial menhaden purse seine nets. Chesapeake Bay is home to several species of endangered and threatened seabirds, including the American Oystercatcher, Piping Plover, Royal and Common Terns, and Whimbrel. From red drum and weakfish to ospreys and blue crabs, countless species rely on healthy nearshore areas to survive.

Iconic shorebirds such as Ospreys have been facing population declines in the Bay due to habitat loss. The Chesapeake bay is home to one of the largest Osprey populations in the world, with over 20,000 birds nesting in the area. Dedicated birders and conservationists have done everything they can for years to help improve shorebird populations. It is now time to manage another major contributor to the species' decline: the menhaden industry, which not only takes away over 100 million pounds of menhaden from the Bay each year but disturbs critical nearshore habitat necessary for many other Virginia bird species.

Menhaden purse seining is only endorsed by the Marine Stewardship Council as a low-impact form of fishing when the net doesn't touch the bottom of the bay. Implementing a regulation to limit menhaden purse seining to Virginia waters deeper than the depth of the net itself is just common sense and keeps the net from scraping the bottom of the bay and permanently damaging the coast. Our shorelines, our communities, and our iconic wildlife will benefit greatly through this act of stewardship.

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Please accept our thanks for ensuring that the comments of these concerned individuals are considered.