virginia menhaden politics as usual

[hosenfeffer]

Nice link from the people at surfland about politics and fisheries in the great state of Virginia.
http://www.surflandbt.com/reports/
Recently read a book called Term Limits by Vince Flynn I think it was. Very interesting premise about what to do about these people. Have never been seriously involved in politics before other than results of military service, business ownership and taxpayer but a little honesty and decency would go well for a change.

[Doug Jowett]

Very discouraging--126-3---126-3---126-3---126-3---126-3-

[Onshore]

[QUOTE=hosenfeffer;279621]Nice link from the people at surfland about politics and fisheries in the great state of Virginia. http://www.surflandbt.com/reports/ QUOTE]

Omega Protein also is the largest harvester of pogies not only on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts but, in the world. The only others are small operations on both coasts taking pogies mostly for lobster and crab bait.

Omega Protein sells their product to the companies who manufacture "SMART BALANCE", a butter substitute and margerine.

So, when your wife puts a spread on the table and tells you that it has no bad colesterol and is good for you - now you will know you'r eating a pogie oil/meal product and supporting the company that has as it's goal; elimination of that species.

About six years ago when ASMFC was told by NOAA to oversee the Menhaden/Pogie fishery, they found out that the then present management board, technical committee and advisery panel were about 95% menhaden industry folks. They changed that to the same balance that other species enjoy but, they have not been able to overcome the poor science that dictated the menhaden fishery for 20 years before. Slowly, they are making progress but, some would say, too slowly!

[rthomas]

The debate over the perceived notion that striper populations are on the decline because of commercial vs recreational fishing should be addressed here. This is the root cause. The decimation of forage. The stripers depend on the menhaden as a food source, just as they do the alewife, herring, bunker, etc., all of which are on the decline.

As members of this forum have stated, fish populations have a cycle. Fishing the CT River for stripers for over 20 years, we have gone from catching stripers with anything on a hook to begging for one keeper a run. In that time, as the populations of bait fish have been decimated, the striper population has declined, specifically the large ones, along with the shad. We are putting a hurting on everything that swims in this area, both recreationally and commercially. I dont know the facts to say which one has more economic and social benefits, but I do know if we dont do something its going to get worse for everyone. Its in both the commercial and recreational fishery's best interest to protect the resources.

The flip side of that is: Have we just been spoiled by a overly successful stocking program for striped bass? Did they overcome their own food source? Now we have to work a but harder and stay out a bit longer?

One other thought, Omega is now advertising for krill pills......that doesnt sound good for our silverback friends.

[Doug Jowett]

Krill Pills - you got to be kidding!:eek::eek::eek: So, where's the regulators on krill harvest? My guess they haven't addressed it and don't intend to until a lot of pressure is put on them to outlaw such practice.

[gseries69]

Some info on Chessy Menhaden

http://www.chesbay.org/articles/striped%20bass%20study%281-09%29.asp