RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia lawmakers are set to revisit the topic of funding research into Atlantic menhaden, the state’s largest fishery, during the 2025 legislative session. Delegate Paul Milde (R-64) is leading the push to allocate $3 million for a comprehensive study by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).
The proposed funding would enable VIMS to conduct a three-year investigation into the ecology of menhaden, their role in the marine ecosystem, and the economic significance of the fishery to the Commonwealth. Menhaden, often referred to as “bunker” or “pogy,” are small, oily fish critical to both commercial industries and the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
“Current menhaden management relies on incomplete information. This research will provide the scientific foundation needed to make sound decisions that balance the needs of the fishery with the ecological importance of this keystone species,” said Delegate Paul Milde (R-64), who is sponsoring the effort. “Menhaden are essential to the health of the Chesapeake Bay, supporting a variety of commercial and recreational fisheries. By investing in this research, we can make informed decisions about menhaden management and protect this vital species for future generations.”
Atlantic menhaden play a crucial role as a forage fish, supporting species such as striped bass, bluefish, and osprey. They are also a cornerstone of Virginia’s commercial fishing sector, particularly for Omega Protein, a company in Reedville that processes menhaden for fish oil, animal feed, and other products. Critics, however, argue that industrial-scale fishing could jeopardize the broader marine ecosystem.
Previous attempts to secure state funding for menhaden research have stalled in the legislature. Environmental advocates and industry representatives hope the upcoming session will yield a different outcome.
“As questions continue to mount about the health of the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden population, the need for this important effort grows every day. We appreciate all the work that the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Virginia Marine Resources Commission have done in the development of the study,” said Chris Moore, Virginia executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “CBF is very appreciative of Delegate Milde for his leadership to ensure this effort is not further delayed.”
The legislative debate over menhaden management has often been contentious, reflecting broader tensions between economic development and environmental conservation. With bipartisan support coalescing around the study’s potential benefits, proponents remain optimistic about its prospects.
The funding proposal is expected to be a key point of discussion when the General Assembly.
This time, researchers say the cause is not chemicals but hunger. * Osprey * Chicks are starving in their nests due to a lack of prey, and in particular, the small, high-fat forage fish on which some Osprey depend: Atlantic menhaden. “There’s no question that there’s not enough menhaden to support the Osprey right now,” Watts says. In the Chesapeake, conservationists say those menhaden declines are due to overfishing by a single company, and are increasingly vocal in urging regulators to take action.
https://www.audubon.org/magazine/researchers-sound-alarm-over-chesapeake-bays-ospreys
The Virginia Institute is already a state operated (paid) agency with a mission to handle these types of issues. Throw more money that will fix it. It always just leaves more bloated government slowly mulling around congratulating and thanking each other for another study that goes nowhere and achieves nothing.
Try something new. Tell the Virginia Institute to put it on their to do list. Elect legislators that don’t have the next election as the top priority. Reduce the catch quota temporarily to see what happens. Save 3 million of tax payer money for another useless project to give to those that study things.
Why do we tolerate such never ending projects that suck the money from Americans pockets. Surely we have enough people on the payroll to look into this. What the hell do all those people do all day?
Menhaden: the oily fish that oils the wheels of The Virginia State Legislature. Menhaden future is decided by Omega, CBF and Virginia Legislators in fancy Richmond restaurants.
It is just crabpot bait.