The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission delayed action on May 5 regarding new protections for menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay, following warnings about the species’ decline and its impact on local wildlife and fisheries.
The delay affects efforts to address issues such as starving osprey chicks and reduced bait catches for watermen, concerns that have drawn attention from conservation groups. The Commission had been expected to move forward with Draft Addendum II to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic menhaden, which outlines options including a reduction of up to 50 percent in the Bay’s reduction fishery cap and spreading out industrial harvests throughout the season.
Instead of advancing the proposal for public comment, commissioners voted unanimously to postpone consideration and form a work group tasked with further developing recommendations. As a result, public input originally planned for this summer will be delayed until at least August, when the Commission next meets.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Forage Campaign Manager Will Poston said, “This is a frustrating delay. Despite this setback, if the ASMFC acts in August it could still put new measures in place by 2027 to protect menhaden. Both ASMFC and Virginia must act without further delay to protect this sensitive estuary, or risk further damage to an ecosystem that so many livelihoods depend on.”
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Office works across Virginia through environmental education programs statewide—including student leadership initiatives—and by addressing pollution from sewage treatment plants, farms, and stormwater runoff. The organization operates offices in Richmond and Hampton Roads, maintains oyster restoration sites, and collaborates with communities for events such as Clean the Bay Day to encourage environmental stewardship, according to the official website.
The broader implications of the Commission’s decision could affect both wildlife and local economies dependent on menhaden populations. Observers expect renewed debate and possible action when the work group presents its findings at the August meeting.
