September 23, 2026 — Virginia is among the 15 states commissioned to manage fisheries along the Atlantic Coast. There are now three studies set to look at commercial fishing and other impacts on menhaden, a schooling fish with both ecological and industrial importance. The Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission is considering slashing the commercial catch and spread out fishing days in the Chesapeake Bay.
The majority of that catch goes to the Reedville-based Canadian company that turns the fish into a variety of products. The fleet and factory sustains the Northern Neck community. So, the commission went there to hear them out.
On Saturday morning, 439 people, many with babies and kids in tow, gathered at the Northumberland County school auditorium to ask the fisheries commission to wait for the science. There were teachers, a grocery store manager, and a museum director, but mostly families of those who work for Ocean Harvesters fishing fleet and factory workers for Omega Protein.
Those who spoke, patiently stood in line, some for two hours, waiting their turn for 3 minutes before officials from the commission. Among them was 13-year-old Charlotte Blackwell and her brother Dawson.
“Our dad is a fishboat captain and we have many family members who also work in this industry,” Charlotte told the board. “My question for this board, what bay-specific science shows that another reduction is necessary? Right here at Northumberland Middle School, we are taught how science works. We are taught to ask questions, examine evidence, separate facts from opinions and let the evidence lead us to the conclusion. Please hold yourselves to that same standard.”