Just when the menhaden industry thought it had jumped its legislative hurdles for the year, a pair of Maryland legislators has proposed making products containing menhaden byproducts illegal in the state across the Bay.
The legislation sponsored by Maryland Delegates Peter Murphy (D-District 28) and David Rudolph (D-District 34B), would effectively ban popular omega-3 protein supplements as well as products that range from paint to plant fertilizer.
In a recent interview, Murphy defended his legislation by saying that it stems from an understanding of menhaden's role in cleaning up the Bay and its importance in the fishery food chain as a staple food of Striped Bass, a species prized by anglers.
"The Bill says because we recognize how valuable this fish is, we will not participate as a state in these processes," Murphy said, referring to the large-scale tactics used by commercial menhaden fishermen, which have been outlawed in Maryland waters. Menhaden would still be allowed for use as bait for sport fishermen.
Read the complete story from Northern Neck News.
OTHER PERSPECTIVES:
Maryland Bill Targets Menhaden Reduction Industry
ATLANTIC MENHADEN: Facts and Unsubstantiated Claims
Virginia Legislators Withdraw Bills that Would Hurt Menhaden Industry