Bills clear first hurdles in House, Senate committees
For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020
Contact:
Lee Francis | Deputy Director
Virginia League of Conservation Voters
(804) 225-1902 | lfrancis@valcv.org
RICHMOND – Today, legislation advanced that transfers the management of menhaden where it belongs to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and brings Virginia’s quota in compliance with federal catch limits. Legislative action comes amidst a federally imposed moratorium on menhaden fishing in Virginia waters after Reedville-based Omega Protein was found to have exceeded allowable catch limits in 2019.
In response to today’s votes, Michael Town, executive director of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, issued the following statement:
“We applaud the House and Senate committees for advancing this important measure, and thank Governor Northam for his leadership in working to protect the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and the jobs that depend on healthy fisheries. The General Assembly never had any place regulating a single fish species – menhaden – and this legislation ensures that we’re making fishery decisions based on science, not politics. We look forward to getting this legislation passed and to the Governor’s desk, and beginning a new era of responsible menhaden management in Virginia.”
About us:
The Virginia League of Conservation Voters serves as the political voice of the state’s conservation community, working to make sure Virginia’s elected officials recognize that our natural heritage is an environmental and economic treasure for all. Virginia LCV works with conservation leaders across Virginia and strives for a conservation majority in state government. We secure good public policies on the state level and hold public officials accountable for their positions on environmental issues. For more information, visit www.valcv.org.
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