Subcommittee sends menhaden quota bill to appropriations after heated testimony

The subcommittee voted to report HB 1049 with amendments and to refer the measure to the Appropriations Committee after a lengthy hearing marked by sharply divided testimony from conservation groups and the reduction fishery.

Sponsor Delegate Carr said the substitute would create quota periods for the Chesapeake Bay menhaden reduction fishery and require observers on 10% of reduction trips to collect independent catch and composition data. "The objective of this quota period management is to better distribute reduction fishing efforts throughout the season to mitigate potential negative impacts to the bay’s ecosystem," Carr said.

Conservation witnesses pressed for action. Chris Moore of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation told the subcommittee that "our bait catch has been reduced by about 80% over the last 5 to 6 years," and said better science and management are needed. Several sportfishing, birding and conservation organizations urged support.

Industry witnesses, including representatives of Reedville processors and Local 400 union members, opposed the monthly quota approach. A company representative told the committee the industry employs roughly 260 direct workers in Reedville and that "launching a monthly quota system doesn't feel practical and seems out of step with how this fishery operates," warning of wage and operational impacts.

After debate the subcommittee moved and seconded a motion to report and refer HB 10 49 with the substitute; the clerk reported the vote as 7-3 and the bill will proceed to Appropriations for further consideration.

The substitute includes an enactment clause tied to a separate budget amendment for further Atlantic menhaden research; sponsors said the intent is not to preempt the study but to create interim management tools if funding and studies proceed.