Our Bay: This week's take: A case for federal regulation of menhaden

Menhaden regulation is under the control of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Until 2005 there were no regulations on the quantity of menhaden harvested.

However, 13 of the 15 states which make up the commission - including Maryland - prohibit "industrial fishing" for menhaden in their waters. Industrial fishing is generally defined as catching fish by means of purse seines for reduction to oils and fish meal. There are no restrictions of any kind in federal waters.

During 2003 and 2004 there was concern about a perceived shortage of menhaden which resulted in some 25,000 comments after public hearings...