CLA Files Comments to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Stop the Overharvesting of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay region

On Friday, October 9th, the CLA and the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization filed comments to the Atlantic States Marine Fishing Commission (ASMFC) regarding menhaden regulation in the Bay and Virginia waters. The comments detail the six-plus year mismanagement of the menhaden stock, coastwide, and how the ASMFC has the responsibility of correcting the harmful overestimate of the Total Allowable Catch level, especially for the Chesapeake Bay. The comments further detail how the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) has completely abdicated its duty to regulate the menhaden fishery in Virginia's waters. That includes VMRC's court filings in the 2023 Virginia Circuit Court case, as well as the public statement by a VMRC Commissioner citing regulatory capture of the agency.