Funding Further Study: The coast-wide Atlantic menhaden stock assessment does not track small-scale shifts in species abundance. A more resolute analysis of Atlantic menhaden depletion and distribution in certain regions (e.g., Chesapeake Bay) could improve future management options. Recently, similar legislation has been introduced in Virginia concerning oysters in state waters (H.B. 599). In 2024, California enacted similar legislation (A.B. 1881) to establish a panel that would provide scientifically-grounded expertise on coastal erosion.
Regional Management: Precautionary management, or management pathways that aim to prevent future impact, is also being introduced in Virginia (H.B. 1049). This is in line with previous legislation introduced in Oregon that restricts fishing in certain coastal waters (H.B. 3827).
