PROVIDENCE – A coalition of Rhode Island environmental groups, anglers and small businesses urged Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, D-South Kingstown, to support protection of Atlantic menhaden at the upcoming Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Council, Save the Bay announced Friday.
“Governor Raimondo appoints two of the three commissioners from Rhode Island, and Senator Sosnowski is the other state commissioner on the board. Their support for ecological management of menhaden will ensure the state protects species ranging from striped bass to whales, as well as water quality in Narragansett Bay,” said Topher Hamblett, director of policy for Save The Bay.
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Menhaden are a prey fish for large fish, ospreys and humpback whales. The release also says the Atlantic menhaden filter phytoplankton from the water, regulating regional waters.
“Rhode Island’s saltwater anglers, who spend millions of dollars pursuing their interest, believe this is the most important fisheries issue to come up for a vote in years,” said Rich Hittinger, vice president for the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association. “It is clear that the vast majority of those with an interest in menhaden support ecological management of this fish.”
The board meets Nov. 13-14 in Baltimore to consider Amendment 3, a proposal to provide stronger protections for menhaden, to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden and to set specifications for the 2018 fishing season.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
