Menhaden are the basis of the food chain and must be protected to assure game fish species have adequate food. Menhaden filter feed and assist in improving water quality which is beneficial to all species, reduces turbidity, and has a positive affect on aquatic grasses and the stabilization and resistance of the shore lines to storm and tidal affects.

Those with a financial incentive will always insist that adequate stocks are present, regardless of the science. It is about time that the State of Virginia wakes up to the importance of this species and regulates it based on reality and research.