A series of harassment incidents has prompted the state of Virginia to introduce legislation designed to protect commercial watermen from interference.
During 2023 there were three instances of harassment of vessels fishing for menhaden, followed by extensive social media threats. One of the incidents, with a jetski operator approaching and interfering with a fishing operation, was observed and recorded by a spotter aircraft working with Ocean Harvesters fishing vessel Rappahannock.
According to the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition, Rappahannock’s crew were concerned that the perpetrator might be armed and inclined to escalate the situation.
‘Although it is individuals who executed these attacks, they are incited and emboldened by the rhetoric from various sport fishing organisations. These associations meticulously track and disclose the whereabouts of commercial vessels and their anchoring locations each evening,’ a Menhaden Fisheries Coalition representative commented.
‘While not directly encouraging their members to disrupt and harass fishing operations, they consistently provided the information needed to do so.’
Now Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent, representing Virginia’s Northern Neck and Caroline County in House District 67, has stated that Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed into law The Right to Fish bill, to protect commercial watermen from interference, which she sponsored.
‘House Bill 928, a bill to protect commercial watermen while they are working in Virginia waters, was signed by Governor Youngkin last week. This bill recognizes the importance of our state’s seafood industry by creating protections for commercial watermen and deterring unlawful interference,’ Hillary Pugh Kent said.
‘This new law will provide restitution against those who purposefully inhibit fishing and destroy the property of commercial watermen. It will reinforce the continued viability of our fishing and seafood industries, which are necessary to the economic and cultural fabric of the Northern Neck and all of the Commonwealth.’
The bill passed the Virginia House by a unanimous vote of 99-0, and the Senate with only one dissenting vote 38-1.
The legislation adds a new section to the Virginia code addressing interference with commercial fishing vessels or activity. It makes knowingly and intentionally interfering with or impeding commercial fishing activity within Virginia waters a Class 1 misdemeanour. The legislation also imposes penalties such as ineligibility for certain hunting and fishing licenses for varying periods depending on the number of offenses committed. Additionally, individuals convicted of violating this section may be required to complete boating safety education.
‘The new law was proposed in response to an uptick in threats and acts of harassment directed towards commercial fishermen lawfully operating in Virginia’s waters,’ the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition’s representative said.
‘Instances of dangerous encounters have been escalating in frequency and intensity, threatening physical harm and jeopardising the safety of our commercial watermen. These confrontations, often involving jet skis and recreational boats, pose risks to all parties involved.
The incident concerning Rappahannock last year involved a jet ski operator who harassed the crew as they operated the smaller purse vessels. The individual recklessly drove his jet ski inside the net, doused the crew with his wake, and hurled profanities, including threatening language. The incident was promptly reported to both the United States Coast Guard and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Subsequently, the VMRC investigated the matter.
‘Due to a lack of commitment from local prosecutors to pursue the case, it was handled as a VMRC offense. The perpetrator pleaded guilty and was fined $500, then boasted about his actions on social media, displaying no remorse,’ the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition’s representative said.
