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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Critical Decision on Deck for the ChesapeakeWill Governor Ehrlich Support a Cap on Menhaden?(February 7, 2005 -- Washington, DC) Menhaden Matter, an alliance of recreational angling and environmental organizations today called on Governor Robert Ehrlich to support a cap on the industrial harvesting of Atlantic menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the multi-state regulatory body responsible for menhaden management, meets this week in Alexandria VA to possibly consider a cap on industrial harvest of this small forage fish that plays a critical role in the health of marine ecosystems. With Maryland being a key steward in protecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay the Governor’s support of a motion to establish a cap as an interim precautionary measure is imperative. It is expected that most other east coast states, most of which already ban the industrial harvesting of menhaden, will support a cap. Menhaden numbers have dropped dramatically over the last ten years diminishing their ecological and economic benefits. "The health of menhaden and the bay are synonymous," said Sherman Baynard from the Coastal Conservation Association. "With the opening of the striped bass season only a few months away, Governor Ehrlich could 'reel in a big one' if he secured a cap on the industrial harvest of this little, but important, fish." Last week, the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, agreed, asking the Governor Ehrlich for his "leadership in helping to address this concern." A letter signed by Caucus chairs Senator Astle and Delegate Boutin, stated: "The Caucus believes that temporary restrictive measures on the industrial component of the fishery - call it no expansion of current levels or a cap - must be advanced by the Board..." Omega Protein, the Houston-based company, which operates a newly enhanced facility in Reedville, Virginia, is responsible for 90 % of the East Coast landings. Omega has said repeatedly that it has no intention of increasing its menhaden catch, but it has opposed any cap or limits on harvests. "A thriving menhaden fishery and a healthy Bay can coexist, but Maryland's support of a policy that allows unrestricted fishing in Virginia's bay waters makes no sense," said David Festa, Environmental Defense Oceans Program Director. "Maryland plays a crucial role in the debate because it shares the Chesapeake and its fishery resources with Virginia. Excessive fishing in Virginia impacts Maryland’s resources as well." "Unlike almost every other fish caught in the bay for commercial or recreational purposes, there is no limit on the amount of menhaden that can be harvested in this manner," said Ken Hinman, president of the National Coalition for Marine Conservation. The following experts will be available Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 PM for a post-meeting conference call. Call in number: 800-247-5110 Sherman Baynard, Coastal Conservation Association - 410-758-1162 David Festa, Environmental Defense - 571-215-5324 Ken Hinman, National Coalition for Marine Conservation - 703-777-0037 Or, visit our website www.menhadenmatter.org. Menhaden Matter is a unique cooperative effort of concerned conservation and recreation organizations, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Coastal Conservation Association, Environmental Defense and the National Coalition for Marine Conservation, dedicated to protecting the ecological role of menhaden and the Chesapeake Bay. ### |