Several bills dealing with menhaden have been introduced in the current session of the Virginia General Assembly.
They include:
SB765/HB2280 – Sen. Northam and Del. Cosgrove
Would transfer the authority to execute ASMFC menhaden fishery management plans from the General Assembly to the VMRC where all other ASMFC directives are handled. http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?111+ful+SB765
HB1656 – Del. Purkey
Would prevent menhaden harvesting within one mile of shore in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, and Hampton.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?111+ful+HB1656
HB2369 – Del Knight
Would reduce current cap on menhaden harvest in Chesapeake Bay (109,020 metric tons) by 20% each year starting 1/1/12.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?111+ful+HB2369
HB1913 – Del. Miller
Would prohibit the harvest of menhaden by purse seine in the Rappahannock River and its tributaries.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?111+ful+HB1913
HB2165 – Del. Abbitt
Would assess a fee of $10 per ton on menhaden harvested in Virginia waters. Funds would be used to study the condition of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay.
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?111+ful+HB2165
Stakeholders can track these bills at http://legis.state.va.us/