Ongoing disagreement among stakeholders over whether the menhaden reduction and bait industries are harming the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem will not be resolved without further directed scientific study.  The 2023 General Assembly recognized this and passed SB 1388 directing VIMS to develop a research plan for studying the ecology, fishery impacts, and economic importance on menhaden in Virginia waters.  VIMS submitted this plan to the Secretary of Natural Resources in October 2023.  The components of the research plan were endorsed by consensus by a diverse body of stakeholders including representatives of the reduction and bait industries (specifically Omega Protein/Ocean Harvesters, Rogers Bait Company, Kellum Maritime), staff at VMRC and other state and federal natural resources management agencies in VA and MD, the Atlantic Menhaden Technical Committee of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, sportfishing associations, and academic and NGO conservationists.  HB 19 (and associated budget amendment Item 148 #3h), introduced into the 2024 General Assembly by Delegate R. Lee Ware, (R) House District 72, directed the VMRC and VIMS to conduct this three-year study.  It is a shame that the House Committee on Rules and its Studies Subcommittee, with little to no discussion, has already moved to continue HB 19 to 2025, leaving this study presently unauthorized and unfunded.  The results of this type of scientific study are the only means by which VMRC can ensure that it is managing the menhaden fishery properly, in a manner that does not harm other elements of the Chesapeake ecosystem.