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by Ed Cherry
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association November 2004 Newsletter)
As of October 5, 2004, the most current information available indicates for the same time period, the 2004 Atlantic Menhaden reduction catch from Reedsville and Beaufort combined is 126,195 total metric tons (415,251,000 standard fish) versus 112,689 total metric tons (370,811,000 standard fish) for 2003. This represents a net increase of 12 % for year-to-year comparison. It also represents an 11.8 % increase over the 5-year average.
The age breakdown consists of 8% age1 fish, 82% age 2 fish and 10 % fish 3 years and older. 90% of the catch is age 2 or less. Most current estimates are that 70% of the catch in 2004 have come from the VA portion of Chesapeake Bay (inside the bay Bridge Tunnel). This number at this present time is only a rough estimate, more precise numbers will be available later in the year.
