The latest salvo in the ongoing struggle to control Virginia's menhaden fishery comes from Omega Protein Corp.
The Texas-based fish processor, which employs 250 in the Northern Neck town of Reedville, announced Wednesday it would not participate in a panel organized by state Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk, to study the silvery bait fish. The decision is notable because Omega is Virginia's largest menhaden processor.
The company cited several reasons for opting out, including that meetings are scheduled in Newport News, Richmond, and Fredericksburg – not Reedville. 'It almost seems like they're intentionally avoiding Reedville," said Ben Landry, company spokesman.
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