On May 5th, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Menhaden Management Board delayed a decision on new restrictions for Virginia’s industrial menhaden reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay until August. The proposed measures could reduce Bay harvests by 50% and establish seasonal quota periods to spread fishing effort more evenly, potentially leaving more menhaden available for predators and smaller fisheries throughout the year. The delay frustrated conservationists seeking relief for the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, but board members said they wanted more time to refine the proposal and consider additional input. Read the full Virginia Mercury article here.