Respected Recreational Fishing Advocate Finds Menhaden Petition "Legally and Factually Faulty"

A long-time recreational fishing writer and conservation advocate, Charles Witek, says a petition seeking emergency restrictions on menhaden reduction fishing in the New York–New Jersey Bight is “legally and factually faulty.” In a blog post dated Oct. 25, published on One Angler’s Voyage, Witek argues the petition misrepresents the science it cites, fails to show an emergency, and provides no evidence that a selective closure would achieve its ecological objectives. He also points to the petition’s economic figures involving Reedville, Virginia, warning workers and families there could be affected. Witek questions the petition’s origin, noting the Forage Fish Campaign links to it but is not listed among the petitioners. He highlights that a referenced stock assessment does not support the petition’s claim about rebuilding striped bass, and notes projections indicate ending menhaden fishing coastwide alone would not rebuild striped bass to target levels. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s menhaden FAQ makes a similar point.