August 10, 2011 — The following was released from Omega Protein:
Reedville, Virginia – Omega Protein followed the proceedings of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) very closely and was pleased with the outcome of its Menhaden Management Board meeting on August 2, 2011. The company strongly supported the Board’s decision not to deviate from its normal procedure. The Board correctly chose to take a deliberate approach to development of a wholly new management system.
In doing so, the Board heeded the concerns of Omega Protein and over 40 other menhaden industry stakeholders. Following longstanding ASMFC procedures, the Board recognized it should not rush into a rule-making measure simply to satisfy the politically-driven desires of recreational and environmental advocates. The Board had been asked to develop and adopt an entirely new management plan from scratch in a matter of months. In other fisheries, this process takes years of in-depth consideration.
The Board also reacted sensibly to the universal pleas by the menhaden fishing industry, as well as from environmentalists and recreational anglers, for additional public comment. The Board’s deliberations have so far been developed in a vacuum, and this will allow for there to be greater input from stakeholders.
The menhaden fishery is already subject to a pre-existing interstate fishery management plan, and the menhaden stock is not overfished. Ideas for a new management plan are still in their early stages and a lot of work needs to occur before the Board sets more detailed fishing requirements for menhaden-dependent businesses in at least nine Atlantic seaboard states.
Further, during the coming months and into 2012, essential new data will be available to the ASMFC fisheries biologists and managers, such as results from the industry-sponsored University of New England aerial survey of menhaden in the New England region, the updates to the 2008-2011 juvenile abundance indices, and, at least initial results of the new stock assessment, which will be undertaken in the late summer or early fall of 2012.
As always, Omega Protein is supportive of any fisheries management process that utilizes the best available science, complies with ASMFC decision making standards, recognizes the need to balance conservation with the economic survival of historic fishing communities, and results in a fair and equitable, scientifically-based management system for all members of the menhaden fishing industry.
Read the complete document released by Omega Protein