Politics & Government · news
Virginia residents can still comment on proposed Chesapeake menhaden limits
An October 1 virtual hearing and October 9 comment deadline follow Virginia’s in-person hearing dates.
Virginians who missed the in-person hearings on proposed Chesapeake Bay menhaden changes still have time to weigh in.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission lists a general virtual hearing for October 1, from 6–8 p.m., and accepts written comments through October 9. Its notice says residents may attend virtual hearings even when their own state's hearing dates have passed.
What is being considered
Draft Addendum II includes options to reduce the Chesapeake Bay reduction-fishery cap by as much as 50 percent, divide the cap among three periods, and link it to the coastwide allowable catch. These are proposals under review, not newly enacted limits.
The commission says the options respond to concerns about concentrated harvest and potential ecological effects. Its draft and supporting materials let readers examine those arguments directly.
Register through the official hearing notice, which also links to a comment survey and online submission options. Email comments go to comments@asmfc.org with the subject “Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II.” The notice specifies an 11:59 p.m. October 9 deadline; submitting earlier avoids last-minute uncertainty.
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