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by Ed Cherry
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association December 2004 Newsletter)
As of October 31, 2004, the most current information available indicates that for the same time period, the 2004 Atlantic Menhaden reduction catch from Reedsville and Beaufort combined is 140,570 total metric tons (462,554,000 standard fish) versus 142,821 total metric tons (469,959,000 standard fish) for 2003. This represents a net increase of 4.5 % for year-to-year comparison. It also represents a 1.5 % decrease over the 5-year average.
The age breakdown consists of 8% age 1 fish, 84% age 2 fish and 8% fish 3 years and older. 92% of the catch is age 2 or less. Most current estimates are that 70% of the catch in 2004 has
come from the VA portion of Chesapeake Bay (inside the bay Bridge Tunnel). This number at the present time is only a rough estimate, more precise numbers will be available later in the year.An attempt to address the perceived predator - prey imbalance in Chesapeake Bay at a recent Menhaden Advisory Panel meeting by capping the purse seine harvest in the Chesapeake Bay until a scientific assessment is complete, was rejected by the commercial interests on the panel. This cap would have been in line with current catches for the past several years, and would have imposed no negative economic or social impact on the industry! Also the fleet at Reedsville consists of 11 vessels. However, this fall 2 vessels from the Gulf Fishery and 1 from the North Carolina fishery are being brought up to the Chesapeake to fish. Appears that the additional effort will not result in a status quo for the reduction fleet catch in the bay.
