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ASMFC Menhaden Board Changes

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  juro 
#1 ·
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dick Brame 910-793-3098
01-31-01 Pat Murray 713-626-4234


Conservationists Applaud ASMFC Vote to Reorganize Atlantic Menhaden Management Board

Wilmington, NC - In a dramatic move to improve marine conservation, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted to move forward with a management plan (Amendment 1) that has potential to restore troubled menhaden stocks and end commercial fishing industry control of the Menhaden Management Board. ASMFC’s action could result in implementation of Amendment 1 in April and bring crucial conservation benefit for stressed menhaden stocks as well as aid the recovery of striped bass and bluefish populations, which rely heavily on menhaden as a food source.

"Menhaden are important for more than commercial fish meal and oil production," said Dick Brame, Executive Coordinator of CCA’s Atlantic States Fisheries Committee. "They are the primary prey of numerous important sportfish and serve as a critical filtering mechanism in fragile estuary systems."

Commercial fishing interests have historically dominated the managing board of this vital forage fish and impeded viable management measures. The Menhaden Management Board is the only ASMFC board that has specific seats reserved for representatives of the commercial fishing industry. Currently, commercial industry representatives comprise half of the management board and a majority of the technical committee. ASMFC’s move to adopt Amendment 1 to the Menhaden Management Plan could assist failing stock numbers and mark a long-fought victory for proper and equitable fisheries management.

"CCA has long advocated a proper scientific fishery management plan for menhaden," said Dr. Ken Lewis, CCA Atlantic States Fisheries Committee member. "This is a strong statement for the future of all Atlantic State fisheries and the growing voice of conservation."

"Through more than two years of work, we finally have pending resolution," said Charles Witek, Chairman of CCA’s Atlantic States Fisheries Committee. "With the vote to reorganize a commercially dominated board, we are flushing the proverbial fox out of the hen house."

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#4 ·
That's huge Steve!

Makes me wonder if the pacific herring fishery has been affecting the salmonid (and other gamefish) populations in the pacific northwest all these years. They harvest by the ton during the heat of the spawning season just to pick out the roe from the females.

I'll have to search around for info on this...
 
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