I scanned all the comments and never recognized one name calling for reforms as a menhaden fisherman. There are 8 captains and 8 bosuns that “set” menhaden nets in Virginia. It takes a skill that is comparable to a farmer planting and working his crops. It is not with reckless abandon that nets are “set”. As the net is paid out we hold tension on the purse line to keep it off the bottom and under the fish. Not one person has accepted the invitation to go on a menhaden boat, they just choose to condemn with out education. 
I remember when crab dredging was abolished, it was going to be the fix-all for the blue crab. Quite the contrary has happened. Gear reforms, pump slicks, “starving birds”?? by-catch ,all are attempts to kill a thriving Industry with lies and assumptions. 

Captain James C Kellum

44 years experience menhaden fishing on the Cheasapeake Bay