Va. Menhaden Management Bill Under Scrutiny

RICHMOND, Va. (WJZ) -- Menhaden  is a fish critical to the Chesapeake's food web.  It's also a major cash harvest in Virginia's part of the bay.

Alex DeMetrick reports a move that might reduce the harvest is being considered in Virginia's legislature, but it's swimming uphill.

There was a time when lawmakers decided what could be fished from the bay.  Over the years, Maryland's General Assembly turned that regulating over to DNR.  So did Virginia.  Except...

"In the case of menhaden in Virginia, that's the only marine species we have not yet seen the wisdom of doing that for," said Bill Goldsborough, Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

But then, menhaden is a big catch in Virginia's section of the bay.  Used to make fish oil supplements for people and feed for other animals, 80,000 tons are netted each year in the bay.  That's tens of millions of fish.

"That's a lot of fish taken out of the food web," Goldsborough said.

Studies indicate the top of that web is paying the price.  With fewer menhaden to eat, striped bass have become more vulnerable to disease.

"Increased mortality rates," Goldsborough said.  "Most likely, it's tied to poor nutrition."

Virginia's legislature is now debating whether to move menhaden regulation out of the State House, a move environmental groups support.

"A lot of political contributions factor into this, absolutely," Goldsborough said.

Money might speak louder than the Chesapeake wildlife that also depends on menhaden.

Previous attempts to move menhaden out of the control of Virginia's legislature have not succeeded.