Delegate Barry Knight's office has released the following statement:
Friday, January 21, 2011 — Delegate Barry Knight (R-Virginia Beach) , Delegate Harry R. Purkey (R-Virginia Beach), Delegate Watkins M. Abbitt, Jr., (I- Appomattox), and Delegate Jackson Miller (R-Manassas), announced today that they would withdraw their bills they filed this year in the General Assembly aimed at Omega Protein and the menhaden industry of the Northern Neck. Delegate Knight indicated that, after significant discussions with State Senator Richard Stuart and extensive conversations with Margaret Ransone of Bevans Oyster Company, Kinsale, Virginia, regarding the economic importance of the menhaden industry, he and the other Delegates had decided to withdraw their Bills. Knight indicated that, after these discussions, they are hopeful that studies to properly manage the menhaden industry are forth coming. Senator Stuart, who has just been appointed to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, said he would request the ASMFC to do a study on the ecological value of the menhaden in the Bay region. Senator Stuart said that, while he cannot assure the Delegates that the ASMFC will conduct such study, he will request it. Stuart, who is an ardent supporter of the menhaden industry in Northumberland County, said that he thought it was prudent and reasonable to request such a study on the ecological value of the menhaden to the Bay region. "While I strongly support the menhaden fishery and its industry, I also love the Chesapeake Bay and these discussions with Delegates Knight, Abbott, Miller and Purkey I believe go a long way to resolving this long standing conflict that we have had," said Senator Stuart.
Knight also indicated that he was very impressed with Margaret Ransone of Kinsale, who, after two days of discussions, shed a lot of light on the subject with the Delegates. Stuart also indicated that he is working with Congressman Rob Wittman to bring the National Fisheries Commission to the region for a meeting this spring together with the government scientist for an informational fact finding session for all the Delegates in hopes to answer all of their concerns with regard to the menhaden industry. "Proper management of the species, not just from a sustainability viewpoint, but from an ecological value to the bay is of utmost importance to our members in the House of Delegates and we appreciate Senator Stuart's willingness to work with us on this matter, "said Delegate Knight.
Delegate Miller added "after hearing mature and reasoned points from Senator Stuart regarding the industry I decided to withdraw my bill this year. I also had the chance to speak with a business leader from the Northern Neck, Margaret Ransone. The Northern Neck is lucky to have such leaders as Senator Stuart and Mrs. Ransone who promote their region so effectively.