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Atlantic menhaden fish, the forage species at the center of fiery, yearslong debate. (Photo courtesy of Brian Gratwicke) |
Virginia budget funds long-awaited research on menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay |
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| Climate and Environment Reporter |
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Virginia’s newly passed final budget includes $2 million for a highly anticipated study by William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science to investigate the menhaden population in the Chesapeake Bay.
The funding, introduced as a budget amendment by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, comes amid growing concerns from environmentalists and anglers over what they believe is a decline in menhaden and the predator species that feed on them, such as ospreys and striped bass.
While industry officials say that coastwide assessments show no evidence of overfishing, environmental groups argue that regional data may mask a localized decline within the bay itself. |
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Sounds of sanding lead to music at guitar school in Virginia Beach |
Brian Hawkins of Hawkins Guitar has built custom guitars for nearly three decades and opened his luthier school in Virginia Beach in 2019. (Photo by John-Henry Doucette) |
Luthier Brian Hawkins has cultivated a close-knit community of aspiring crafters at Hawkins Guitar, a specialty school and workshop tucked inside a Virginia Beach office park.
Having built custom guitars for nearly three decades, Hawkins opened the school in 2019 to guide students through the meticulous process of crafting their own instruments.
The collaborative environment allows students of varying skill levels to work alongside one another, sharing ideas and building confidence. |
| Virginia has gotten millions to address PFAS water contamination. Actually tackling the problem could cost hundreds of millions. |
PFAS, often used in water-resistant gear, also find their way into drinking water and human bodies. (Photo via Canva) |
Virginia has received nearly $69 million over the past five years to test for and treat "forever chemicals" known as PFAS in drinking water, but state officials estimate the full cost of statewide reduction could be hundreds of millions of dollars more.
The latest $14.3 million federal allocation will fund infrastructure projects such as treatment systems, well improvements and waterline extensions in rural or disadvantaged communities.
The efforts seek to reduce public exposure to long-lasting chemicals used in products such as firefighting foam and nonstick cookware, which are linked to health risks such as cancer. |
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NATO showcases cooperation at a major exercise in Hampton Roads Read More |
Mother of murdered sailor demands Navy change how it handles sexual assault cases Read More |
Virginians are feeling the effects of spiking health insurance premiums Read More |
The last three members of the Northern Neck menhaden boat chantey singers perform again Read More |
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