November 12, 2026 — Commercial fishermen will face new menhaden catch limits in the Chesapeake Bay beginning next year after regional fisheries managers approved new limits Wednesday.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board approved a reduction-fishery cap of 37,123 metric tons for 2027 and 33,847 metric tons for 2028.
The current cap is 51,000 metric tons.
The motion passed 14-2, with Virginia voting against the measure.
The new management measures in Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II are scheduled to take effect May 1, 2027.