Why We Fight For Menhaden

Editorial written By Steven Epstein, founder of the Chesapeake Bay Defenders. Why they fight for the Menhaden.

The Bay Cap, a limit on the Menhaden allowed to be taken from the Chesapeake Bay by Omega Protein has been a hot topic lately.  The company purposefully exceeded the cap and showed no remorse.  Now A Moratorium on the Menhaden Reduction Fishery on the east coast is set to start June 2020 if Omega(the only participant on the east coast) does not come into Compliance with the Fishery Management Plan and this includes a pay back clause for the overage from last year.  Menhaden Reduction fishing in Virginia will be forever changed. 

  The ASMFC created the Bay Cap because of fears of localized depletion inside the bay.  Studies were done with no findings.  We do know that the diets of sea birds and fish have changed from the omega rich menhaden(they eat algae and turn it directly into omega 3 unlike any other fish in the sea).  That alone shows that there is a lack of Menhaden.  With the dietary changes came disease and a reduction in population of species like striper, grey trout, and even blue fish have been effected.  The Chesapeake Bay is the largest Estuary on the East Coast.  It is imperative that the bait inside the bay is protected and not reduced to feed farmed fish.  It is hard to believe that this is allowed.  They are literally taking a natural resource that is needed here,  removing it from the water and sending it to other places for a profit.  They are not taxed, they do not pay for the damage they do. 

Recreational fishing brings in untold millions of dollars.  As Menhaden Defenders says “no bunker no bass”.  Well in my home town we have seen our winter fishery striped away.  Our charter captains are not working, the hotels and restaurants are not full of fishermen.  It resounds all through our local economy.  And this is true of many towns along the east coast.  One study shows the lack of menhaden in the bay has led to a 30 percent decline in the Striped bass fishery.  A fishery that according to that report is responsible for 7.8 billion of our gross domestic product.  This is just part of the untold harm Omega has done to the bay and the economy.  From dumping caustic materials, to fishing and dumping water less than half a mile from populated beaches.  Without stricter regulations this company can not continue to operate.  They are above the law here in Virginia. 

I hope this finding sends a message that there are rules and they are not made by industry.  I pray the Delegates and senators in Virginia turn this fishery over to the VMRC (Virginia Marine Resource Commission) as they have every other fishery in Virginia.  This is not a story where Omega is the victim.  This is a sad story of a ruined winter fishery, of illegal dumping, of disrespect of the bay and disrespect for the citizens of Virginia.  This is a story of a natural resource, legally plundered for profit.

How did we get here?  Because the fishery is managed by the general assembly, campaign donations are being made to the same people that manage the fishery.  With over 400,000 dollars spent on campaign donations why would there be rules.  All Omega has to do is buy the committee, the bills for regulations come up in and they will get shot down and never make it to the floor.  It is as simple as that, and compared to the cost of following rules, it is cheap.  Every year bills are put forth to move regulation to the VMRC.  Thus allowing them to be managed by people with fishery management experience.  When a bill was put forth to require Omega to stay just one mile away from the beach, that bill was shut down.  They will fight any regulation no matter how small, by saying they are a trust worthy company.  This just is not the case.  

Omega protein has been convicted of multiple felony violations, and pretty much stays under investigation by the federal government.  There was the Clean Water Act Violation that led to a multimillion dollar fine where they dumped caustic materials from their plant into the water inside the Chesapeake Bay, this would not have stopped if they were not caught.  There was another violation at their plant in Louisiana.  Then the newest violation, lying on a loan application to the federal government.  Actions speak louder than words.  And judging by their actions, Omega Protein does not think the rules apply to them.  And they do not care about the people or the fish in the bay.  They will say or do anything to be allowed to get what they want.  

With ASMFC creating a multi species model and working toward ecosystem based management it is imperative than Omega Protein plays by the rules and respects the fishery management process.  A message has to be sent to comply or shut down.  Menhaden are an important part of the ecosystem and will be managed accordingly.  It is past time for Omega to get on board and ask what can we do to work with all the fishermen and communities of Virginia.  Playing victim is not the play at this time.  Now is time for them to prove they are a responsible member of society, and let their actions speak for themselves.  This is not about taking their jobs, this is not about ruining the economy of one small town.  No one is doing that except Omega.  We want Omega to thrive, as they should.  This can not be done with a blatant disregard for the rules and a free pass from the state government.  

I do work to help uncover the truth about the fishery and get facts out to the public.  My Facebook group is Chesapeake Bay Defenders.  We started 4 years ago, working to keep some fish in the bay.  We started out as a non-profit but now I fund things out of pocket after getting into the non-profit game, it is easier that way.  Others do things to collect money.  I do them so my kids and their kids will be able to enjoy the bay.  I am just your average guy that loves the bay, the beach, and my neighbors.  I am willing to go the extra mile to make sure my little part of town remains as it is or better.  We have a unique little spot at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay with (what can be) great fishing, good people, better food, little traffic and no need to ever leave.  This originally started when a 150 foot ship pulled up less than a mile from the beach and started pumping foam filled water with fish parts into 80 degree water.  The beach was covered in foam.  Omega’s answer, it is harmless.  I don’t want my hometown ruined so that farmed Atlantic salmon can be produced for profit.  

Steven Epstein
Chesapeake Bay Defenders