Bill > HB19

This bill directs the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), in collaboration with the Marine Resources Commission and relevant stakeholders, to conduct a three-year study on the ecology, fishery impacts, and economic importance of the Atlantic menhaden population in the waters of the Commonwealth. The study will examine various aspects of the menhaden population, including its seasonal abundance in the Chesapeake Bay, its movement patterns, the impacts of predator demand, the commercial fishing effort, the possibility of localized depletion, changes in recreational fisheries, the economic impacts of management decisions, the social and economic importance of menhaden, and the bioeconomic impact of fisheries removing menhaden from the Commonwealth's waters. VIMS is required to report its findings and recommendations to the designated legislative committees and the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources by October 1, 2027.

https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?241+sum+HB19