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Omega Protein fishery agrees to new menhaden restrictions, but environmental groups say they’re not enough
(UNITED STATES, 12/13/2022)
The following is an excerpt from an article published by DailyPress:
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted Tuesday to restrict menhaden fishing in the Chesapeake Bay.
In a 5-4 vote, the commission voted in favor of a memorandum of understanding with Reedville-based Omega Protein fishery for it to stop harvesting within a half-mile around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Omega, which uses menhaden for products such as fish oil pills and pet food, also can’t fish in the bay around Memorial and Labor Day weekends and Saturdays and Sundays between and around July 4. The agreement includes the fishery, governor’s office and General Assembly working on a new buffer along the bay’s eastern shores and Virginia Beach.
Menhaden fishery - Photo courtesy from Omega Protein
The proposal originally called for enforcing a 1-mile buffer along bay shores and Virginia Beach.
The memorandum, however, isn’t enforceable by law.
“This is a big disappointment and it is difficult to understand how this is different from doing nothing,” said Mike Leonard, American Sportfishing Association vice president of government affairs.
Organizations including the sportfishing association are concerned that Omega won’t abide by the agreement if there are no consequences.
Ben Laundry, a spokesperson for Omega, said, “You don’t get to stay in business as long as we have by breaking agreements.”
Omega has entered into agreements with charter boat captains along Virginia Beach where the Omega boats will not fish in specific areas during peak tourism season between Memorial day and Labor day. (continues...)
Author / Source: Everett Eaton / DailyPress | Read the full article by clicking the link here
editorial@seafood.media
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