I have been fishing Long Island Sound for the past 43 years and have witnessed the ups and downs of the Menhaden stock during this time. Early on during this period the menhaden population was plentiful. Then came the "Bunker (Menhaden) Boats" that decimated the population into non-existence. Rightfully these trawlers were banned form Long Island Sound, and the Menhaden population rebounded to great abundance (fueled by the Menhaden from southern waters). Enter Omega Protein! During the past 5 years the Menhaden population has steadily declined to the lowest number of fish in the last decade. It is not a coincidence that Omega spent a significant portion of the spring season in New York waters, due to lack of fish to the south. If gone unchecked, it is only a matter of time that the Menhaden population on the East Coast will cease to exist. Politicians need to realize this will significantly impact many of their constituents negatively, and they will remember when it comes to voting. Recreational fisherman contribute millions of dollars to local economies in the form of payments to marinas, boat sales and repairs, gas taxes, mechanics, tackle shops, charter boats, hotels, and many other tourism connected business. The majority of these fisherman are targeting fish that rely on the Menhaden to survive! This is all being jeopardized due to the lack of regulation of one company, Omega Protein! I am sure names will be named if the collapse of Menhaden causes these businesses to suffer or go out of existence!!!