Bill
Bill > HB1048
VA HB1048
VA HB1048Menhaden reduction fishing; Marine Resources Commission to prohibit in the Chesapeake Bay.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Marine Resources Commission; Chesapeake Bay; menhaden reduction fishing in the Chesapeake Bay prohibited. Directs the Marine Resources Commission to prohibit all fishing for the purse seine menhaden reduction sector in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries until a determination has been made that research specific to the Chesapeake Bay has demonstrated that the menhaden reduction fishery does not negatively impact other fisheries or menhaden-dependent species. Such determination shall be made by the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources and certified in writing to the Virginia Code Commission.
AI Summary
This bill directs the Marine Resources Commission to ban all purse seine fishing for menhaden, a small oily fish often used for industrial purposes like fishmeal and oil, within the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. This prohibition will remain in effect until the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources officially confirms in writing that scientific research specifically conducted in the Chesapeake Bay has proven that this type of menhaden fishing does not harm other fish populations or species that rely on menhaden for food.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Left in Committee Agriculture Chesapeake and Natural Resources (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1048 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1048/text/HB1048 |
Loading...