A poll of 600 Virginia voters shows 92% support leaving more menhaden in Chesapeake Bay. Omega Protein’s industrial reduction fishery harvests over 100 million pounds annually using spotter planes and enormous nets, whilst Maryland and Virginia bait fishermen report catches plummeting 70%. Maryland’s bait harvest dropped from 3.5 million pounds (2022) to 1 million pounds (2024). Osprey chicks are starving at unprecedented rates. Virginia Institute of Marine Science states data remains “woefully inadequate” and recommends considering fishing restrictions. Poll shows 79% support pausing large-scale fishing until sustainability is proven. The industry has consistently blocked science proposals and refused cooperative research. Chesapeake Bay Foundation advocates pausing industrial fishing pending comprehensive study.