Virginia Institute of Marine Science

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's juvenile blue crab population increased to 228 million in 2026, offering hope after a five-year decline, but adult female crab numbers dropped to 81 million. Researchers note uncertainty about whether the juvenile rise will translate to a robust population later in the year.