February 8, 2013 — Bills to reduce the number of menhaden that may be caught each year are progressing in the House of Delegates.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources on Thursday unanimously approved HB2254, which would reduce the annual menhaden catch by 20 percent and would give the Virginia Marine Resources Commission some authority to manage the oily bait fish.
The same committee previously approved an identical version of the bill, which passed the Senate last month and is now awaiting approval in the House. That means the measure is likely to pass but will still require approval from Gov. Bob McDonnell. The governor's office says he has opposed the federal mandate to reduce the state's menhaden landings, but supports complying with the requirement and likely will sign off on the bills, which came from his administration.
Read the full story in the Virginian-Pilot