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HB 1049

Menhaden reduction fishery; quota periods in Chesapeake Bay.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Betsy Carr

HB 1049 restructures Chesapeake Bay menhaden fishing quotas, adjusting allocation periods to reshape commercial harvesting patterns and ecosystem management strategies.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1049)
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Bill Summary · HB 1049

Legislative bill overview

HB 1049 modifies Virginia's regulation of the menhaden reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay by altering quota periods and management mechanisms. The bill appears designed to adjust how fishing quotas are allocated and monitored throughout the year for this commercially important fish species used primarily for fish meal and oil production.

Why is this important

Menhaden is a keystone species in Chesapeake Bay ecosystems and a significant commercial fishery. How quotas are structured directly affects both the economic viability of fishing operations and the ecological health of the bay, making this a consequential environmental and economic policy decision.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact on fishing industry: Changes to quota periods may disadvantage existing fishing operations that have structured their business around current quota timing
  • Environmental sustainability concerns: Stakeholders may disagree on whether modified quota periods adequately protect menhaden populations and dependent predator species
  • Interstate coordination: Menhaden management affects multiple states sharing the Chesapeake Bay, potentially creating conflicts with existing interstate agreements or requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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