Proposed Legislation Would Confront Chesapeake Bay Menace

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) introduced the Mitigation Action and Watermen Support (MAWS) Act. This legislation establishes a two-year pilot program within the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office to help facilitate new markets for blue catfish. The program will collect data on the population of blue catfish and other invasive species in the Chesapeake and utilize watermen to help catch fish for the study. After two years, NOAA will issue a report on the ecological and economic impacts of catfish.

In response, Choose Clean Water Coalition Director Kristin Reilly issued the following statement:

"With its rapid reproduction, large size, and long lifespan, blue catfish are a top predator in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. And this invasive species known for its robust appetite is causing major issues for blue crabs, rockfish, oysters, and many other fish populations in the region.

"The Choose Clean Water Coalition is pleased to support the MAWS Act, which will take a critical step in mitigating the damage caused by blue catfish in the Bay. This legislation is yet another example of an action that's positive for both the environment and local economy. Opening up new markets for blue catfish will provide an additional revenue stream for watermen while also addressing a growing threat to the health of the Bay's ecosystem.

"We want to thank Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) for introducing the MAWS Act and are looking forward to it progressing through Congress."

The Choose Clean Water Coalition is an organization that harnesses the collective power of more than 300 local, state, regional and national groups to advocate for clean rivers and streams in all communities in the Chesapeake region.

# # #

Media Contact:
Drew Robinson
Choose Clean Water Coalition
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org

Drew Robinson

Drew Robinson is the Choose Clean Water Coalition’s Communications Director

Previous
Previous

Preliminary Congress Budget Bolsters Chesapeake Bay Restoration

Next
Next

Clean Water Advocates Mourn the Passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly