An invasive predator wreaking havoc in Virginia waters is now the target of a bill introduced by a Virginia lawmaker. The proposal advancing through the General Assembly hopes to get more blue catfish out of state waters and on to people’s plates.
HB 2782 patroned by Del. Shelly Simonds (D-Newport News) removes the one-fish daily limit for blue catfish longer than 32 inches. It removes this limit in the tidal waters of the James, Rappahannock, and York Rivers.
"Blue catfish threaten the delicate balance of wildlife in our rivers but they’re also delicious. This bill is a crucial step towards getting them under control and ensuring the long-term health of our rivers and streams,” Del. Shelly Simonds (D-Newport News) said.
Blue catfish were introduced to Virginia rivers and streams in the late 1960s and early 1970s for recreational fishing. Now, almost all major Chesapeake Bay watershed tributaries contain them. In fact, catfish can make up to 75 percent of the total fish weight living in rivers and streams where they have been established in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
"By encouraging the harvest of these invasive predators, we can not only protect our native fish but also provide Virginians with a delicious and sustainable seafood option,” Del. Hillary Pugh Kent (R-Warsaw) said.
The invasive species are known to feed on native species like menhaden, striped bass, shad, and blue crabs, straining these critical fisheries populations.
“Removing this cap on the blue catfish harvest is another step in the right direction to help mitigate the threat of this invasive species and safeguard the long-term health of the Bay and the livelihoods that depend on it," Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore said.
If passed, the bill would join other state efforts to control the problem. Rounds of grants issued by the state in recent years awarded funds to encourage more catching and eating of the species.
The bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources.
