I am not a commercial fisherman, but I do fish in the Chesapeake Bay occasionally and have many avid fisherman friends who are deeply concerned about the health of the Bay. A major concern is the large-scale reduction fishing of menhaden, which plays a crucial role in the food chain. Removing such a vital forage species at high levels, along with the bycatch of other fish, likely has serious long-term impacts on the Bay’s ecosystem.

I understand that job losses in the reduction fishing industry are a concern, but with an estimated 260 jobs tied to it, the potential economic impact must be weighed against the much larger recreational and commercial fishing industries that rely on a healthy Bay. If we don’t take steps to manage this resource sustainably, we risk harming the ecosystem and limiting fishing opportunities for everyone in the future.

For these reasons, I support this petition. It seeks to balance economic interests with sustainability, ensuring that the Bay remains a thriving fishery for generations to come.