by Jackie Nunnery
FORT MONROE—Following a December 6 public hearing, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted 5-4 to create a memorandum of understanding restricting the menhaden industry in the Chesapeake Bay.
The agreement will prohibit the menhaden fishery, primarily Omega Protein, in the state waters of the Chesapeake Bay Saturday through Monday of Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends as well as July 4 and any federally recognized holiday. This would also apply to Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Also “as a measure of cooperation to minimize conflicts with the recreational angling community” the fishery agreed to….
