The menhaden population in the Bay has suffered and has been greatly reduced in numbers by excessive harvesting by Omega Protein. A direct result is seen in the reduction of osprey, sea gull and rockfish populations in the Bay, due to lack of adequate menhaden schools for these birds and fish to feed upon. In times past, it was possible to easily find schools of menhaden at the water surface with breaking fish and diving birds. Now, such sights are rare.  Supporting the menhaden populations is much more important to the Chesapeake Bay than what little benefit may derive from taking away our precious menhaden populations.