Chesapeake Bay Foundation

New state funding of $2 million over two years will support a study of menhaden population in the Chesapeake Bay, led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The study aims to establish scientifically based catch limits, following years of legislative efforts and concerns from conservation groups about declining menhaden affecting species like striped bass and osprey.

Virginia lawmakers have allocated $2 million over two years to fund a state study on the menhaden population in the Chesapeake Bay, led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The study aims to inform conservation standards and catch limits for the fish, which sustain species like striped bass and osprey, amid concerns from conservation groups and opposition from Ocean Harvesters, the only Bay-based reduction fishery.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation launched its 2026 oyster gardening season in Virginia Beach at the Brock Environmental Center. The event aims to welcome new oyster farmers and teach them basics while collecting oysters from volunteers.

Kim Coble is retiring from her role as executive director of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters in October 2026 after 30 years in environmental advocacy. She has led the organization for seven years, contributing to the passage of Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 and earlier work on the Bay Restoration Fund. Coble will remain with the organization until mid-2026 while a replacement is sought.

The Ashland Mill Dam, which blocked fish migration in the South Anna River for 200 years, was removed in 2024. Over 750 alewife floater mussels were reintroduced to the river after the dam's removal, as the species had become functionally extinct due to disrupted fish migration. Biologists and volunteers now monitor the mussels' recovery and fish species like herring that carry mussel larvae upstream.