After countless years of debate, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted Tuesday to have its scientists prepare a plan to manage menhaden as a vital cog in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and proposed curbing the commercial industry in the interim.
The commission could vote as early as August to send the proposal out for public comment, but it is more likely a decision will come in November with implementation coming in 2013.
"This action has potential to increase the spawning stock by 50 percent," said Maryland Fisheries Service Director Tom O'Connell, an ASMFC member. "This action was needed. A [scientific review] spotlighted the need for conservation."
The vote was 15-1, with one abstention.
Read the complete opinion piece at The Baltimore Sun.