The economics of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay region

Project Title: The Economic Importance and Value of Menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay Region

Principal Investigator Dr. Jim Kirkley, VIMS

Project period: 09/30/2007-09/30/2010

Funding Agency: VMRC

This study focuses on determining the economic and social importance of menhaden to stakeholders in the Chesapeake Bay region.  Objectives include the following: (1) determine the economic contributions to the economies of communities with commercial and recreational fisheries perceived as dependent on menhaden; (2) estimate and assess the economic value or benefits of menhaden relative to commercial and recreational fisheries and ecosystem services. This is a three-year project.