Bill > HB1049

This bill directs the Marine Resources Commission to create and manage a system of "quota periods" for the menhaden reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay, which is defined as the "Bay Cap" or the total amount of menhaden that can be commercially caught from the Bay each year. The goal of this system is to spread out the harvesting of menhaden more evenly throughout the fishing season and to reduce the negative effects of catching large amounts of menhaden all at once. The Commission must choose between a monthly system, where no more than 15% of the total annual catch can be taken each month, or a trimester-based system, where no more than one-third of the total annual catch can be taken in each three-month period. Importantly, any unused or underused portion of a quota period cannot be carried over to the next period. Additionally, the bill mandates that 10% of all fishing trips for this fishery must have a trained observer on board to record the type and weight of the fish caught, and these observers must report this information to the Commission.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1049