Preserve Virginia's Coastal Waters: Save the Menhaden
In the next 30 days, Virginia will make a decision that will dramatically impact the Chesapeake Bay and fish - like striped bass - that thrive in it.
Virginia public officials will decide whether to cap the industrial harvest of menhaden. Often called the most important fish in the sea, Atlantic Menhaden are small fish that play a major role in the health of marine ecosystems up and down the Atlantic Coast. Although petite in stature, menhaden are a vital source of food for a wide variety of fish, seabirds and marine mammals from the Gulf of Maine to Florida.
Menhaden are especially important to the overall health of Chesapeake Bay, the biggest estuary in North America and the third largest in the world. Yet the overall number of menhaden is at historic lows, and scientific studies show that striped bass, which rely on it as a major food source, are suffering from malnutrition, poor body condition and disease.
Your action is needed now! Please contact Virginia's new governor, Tim Kaine, and tell him that menhaden matter and ask him to support the cap.
Dear Governor Kaine:
With your leadership, Virginia has an opportunity to protect the Chesapeake Bay and many popular sport and commercial fish by adopting the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) decision to cap the industrial harvest of menhaden in the bay.
The cap, which is based on sound science, will maintain the catch at recent levels so that no jobs will be lost. Often called the most important fish in the sea, menhaden are a key food source for striped bass and other sport and commercial fish as well as a filter for bay waters.
Your leadership on this issue is critical. Please tell Virginians that menhaden matter and support the ASMFC decision now. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
