Menhaden, often called the most important fish in the sea, need your help.

Right now the Virginia General Assembly is considering legislation that will put management of menhaden where it belongs, in the hands of the professionals at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).

If that sentence took you by surprise, you are not alone. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, fishing for menhaden is regulated by the General Assembly. It is the only fish in the Commonwealth managed by elected officials and it has led to a crisis.

Last year, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) found that Virginia was not complyingwas not complying with the coast wide management plan for menhaden. Virginia must come into compliance by June 17, 2020 or a fishing moratorium will be imposed.

In order to bring Virginia into compliance, the General Assembly must act in this session. The best approach to achieve compliance is to pass legislation, HB 1448 and SB 971, transferring management authority to the VMRC.

Please take a moment to send emails to your Delegate and Senator asking them to support this important legislation.

Thanks in advance for taking action today!