Six union shop stewards with UFCW Local 400 are calling on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to base menhaden regulations on science—not outside pressure. In a letter to the board, they argue recent proposals could hurt Virginia’s fishing jobs and accuse environmental and sportfishing groups of pushing misleading claims for fundraising. The fishermen say overharvesting by recreational anglers, not menhaden fishing, is behind the striped bass decline. They’re urging regulators to follow scientific guidance from the commission’s own experts.