Menhaden are small fish that play a critical role in protecting the health of the Gulf of Mexico. From filtering pollutants out of the water to serving as food source to dolphins, pelicans and other sea life, menhaden have rightly been called "the most important fish in the sea." 1

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has proposed new protections for menhaden from the threat of factory fishing, but Houston-based Omega Protein (the largest menhaden company) is fighting to stop the new standards.

Tell the Parks and Wildlife Commission that you support the new standards and want them to go even further to protect menhaden and the Gulf ecosystem. http://environmenttexas.org/action/oceans/protect-menhaden?id4=ES

BACKGROUND
1. "Killing off menhaden could kill the Gulf," The Galveston County Daily News, 2/27/08
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=a5ccb68b6eec6d34

Robin,

Thanks for posting this. I hope it gets the attention it deserves among those who love to fish saltwater in Texas.

Our resources are renewable but are not indestructable and we need to protect them to the extent practical and possible.

Menhaden are much like shad in freshwater in terms of how they support the food chain. They are critical to the health of our saltwaters.

Thanks again for posting this.

Larry

Thank you for your comments. They describe the situation perfectly.

Anyone who has not already done so, please take a few and let TPWD know how you feel about this issue.

They already fished out the Atlantic side, I want to ensure that they don't scour the Gulf as well.

I added the following words to my note: "I would support adding a saltwater stamp if additional funding is needed to support your efforts"