The Free - Lawmakers drop bills on menhaden fishing
–4 Republican delegates have dropped their bills to bound menhaden angling after Sen. Richard Stuart guaranteed to demand a study on the fishery from the Atlantic States Maritime Fisheries Commission.
Stuart, R-Stafford, has lately been designated as Virginia’s constitutional representative to the ASMFC.
Menhaden angling has long been a contentious issue in Richmond, as it is the only fishery controlled by the Common Assembly rather than maritime commissions.
While these 4 bills have been dropped, a several other ones–incorporating bills to take out menhaden from constitutional oversight–are still alive.
Menhaden are commonly utilized for bait or perhaps to make fish oil or perhaps different goods, and are fished not just by commercial fishermen however by Omega Albumen. Omega makes fish oil, fish food and different fish goods, and its plant in Reedville, in the Northern Neck, is one of Northumberland County’s major employers.
However there are questions about how much effect that angling has on the menhaden population, and on different fish for which menhaden are part of the meal chain.
That Is why Stuart’s assure to ask for a study has assuaged some concerns amongst legislators who presented bills to bound menhaden angling.
Stuart will ask the ASMFC to study the ecological value of menhaden in the meal chain and the fish’s part as a filter feeder in the Chesapeake Bay.
Doing a study is “a wise way to hopefully resolve several of these conflicts,” Stuart said.
Del. Jackson Miller, R-Manassas, had a bill that would have suspended menhaden angling with handbag nets in the Rappahannock River, somewhat he said has not been studied at all.
A bill from Del. Barry Knight, R-Virginia Coastline, would have lessened the cap on harvesting menhaden once a year till harvesting was eliminated.
Del. Watkins Abbitt, I-Appomattox, had a bill that would have imposed a bucks Ten-per-ton charge on menhaden harvested with handbag nets, with the funds to be utilized to analyze the condition of the menhaden fishery.
And a bill from Del. Harry Purkey, R-Virginia Coastline, would have suspended menhaden angling in a mile of the low-water mark in waters off Hampton, Newport Media Reports, Norfolk and Virginia Coastline.
Those 4 bills have now been withdrawn.
Date published: 1/22/2011
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