Dear Advocate,
Wow. I am so excited to share the following news with you.
Protection of Menhaden
About a month ago, the RI Marine Fisheries Council took up a debate on whether to change fishing regulations for menhaden. Menhaden are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, and Osprey need them to thrive. For several years now, the Council has voted 5-4 to recommend regulation changes and the RI Department of Environmental Management was forced to overrule them - something that DEM rarely does.
When local advocates expressed alarm, Audubon showed up in person along with our partner Save the Bay to express concerns over the ecological impact of the proposed changes and to speak out against the lack of a robust process to make such an important decision.
We worked with local Osprey supporters to collect written testimony that not only turned the tide, but changed the debate. Last Monday, the council unanimously voted to recommend keeping menhaden regulations as they stand. A local advocate well versed with the council said that our lobbying and outreach made the difference.
Another positive outcome because of you!
Second Generation Anti-Coagulant Rodenticides