Although commercial fishermen see a direct economic benefit from the restoration of shad, menhaden, oysters and other filter feeders to their historic high levels, recreational anglers only see a related benefit as more forage fish and cleaner water. Increased numbers of rockfish have caused Chesapeake Bay stripers to remain undernourished due to the lack of their natural food, menhaden. The Commission demonstrated their disregard for sports anglers by deciding not to do the menhaden study. Political pressure and the money behind the commercial industry has given the impression that the fix was in. VA politicians have no respect for the political clout of saltwater recreational fishermen.
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