Reduction fishing is not just removing Menhaden, but destroying the aquatic life of the bay. Menhaden are a main forage for so many fish and birds. Menhaden helps keep the bay clean as well.

There are so many data points, research and studies that shows reduction fishing is destroying the bay. Ask the oyster men, crabbers, guides, captains, ornithologist and tackle shops what reduction fishing for Menhaden has done to the bay.

It is known that the Chesapeake bay is the prime breeding grounds for Striped Bass. If Menhaden is their main forage, why are companies allowed to remove it in such large quantities? The Striped Bass population is in turmoil. There is a direct link to the Striped Bass decline. 

From a financial point, how much of the money from reduction fishing actually stays in the state of Virginia? When the bay is healthy and thriving with life, the local economies thrive.  The mom&pop shops, hotels, restaurants, beaches, parks, captains, guides, oyster men, crabbers, nature lovers all thrive.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and third largest in the world. We need to ban or drastically cut the amount of Menhaden being taken from the bay.