Richmond Birders,
River Herring that fed the downtown Heron Rookery, Ospreys and Bald Eagles in
Richmond, travel out to sea when the hatch in Richmond, swim up to Nova Scotia
for four years, and travel back to the Chesapeake Bay and Richmond by way of
New England.
If the New England Herring Trawlers catch Herring too close to shore, they get
too many River Herring to leave enough to complete the journey and our stocks
are diminished. These have been reduced since I was a kid and many people
could net these in RIchmond.
The New England Fisheries Management Council is talking about rules to protect
these.
The New England Fishery Management Council has held five hearings on Amendment
8 so far, which have been well-attended. At every hearing there have been
voices in favor of conservation, including allies in the recreational and
commercial fishing industry.
A quick reminder about the remaining hearings, and the written comment
deadline...written comments are due NEXT WEEK on June 25 by 5:00 PM and I’m
ready and willing to help. Letters on your letterhead will make a big impact!
Please reach out if you would like to write a letter.
Talking points and a template letter from the Pew Charitable Trust are
attached. Pew’s
write-up:http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2018/05/18/new-rules-proposed-for-atlantic-herring-fishing-in-new-england.
Please Sign Pew's Action
Alerthttp://advocacy.pewtrusts.org/page/24835/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=Web&_ga=2.189221161.326421453.1529350805-390036529.1529350805
James SheltonLegislative ChairRichmond Audubon