VA HB1049

Establishes a quota period management system for the menhaden reduction fishery in the Chesapeake Bay to distribute harvest more evenly throughout the season and reduce negative impacts of concentrated, high-volume removals

Limits the Bay Cap (annual total allowable commercial landings) to either a maximum of 15% of total annual harvest per month in a monthly system, or one-third per period in a trimester-based system

Prohibits carrying over or rolling unused or underutilized quota portions into the following quota period

Requires 10% of all menhaden reduction fishery trips to carry at least one trained observer to document catch composition and weight, with mandatory reporting to the Marine Resources Commission