Dear <<First Name>>,
 

We will soon be announcing very exciting news about the coalition being formed to save the rays of the Chesapeake Bay from the cruel and reckless killing contests that target them: http://fishfeel.org/stop-savage-killing-contests. Legislation will be introduced in the upcoming Maryland legislative session to ban the contests.

Additionally, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing a regulation to restrict the use of projectile gear to catch the rays. It has extended the public comment period through today: Sunday, January 8, 2017. Please take a moment to thank the DNR for its proposed regulation and request that the restriction begin in May (rather than July) which is when pregnant rays enter the Bay: http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/changes.aspx#cownose

Here are a few points you may consider in submitting your comment:

• The rays are native to the Chesapeake Bay and are an important part of the Bay's ecosystem.
• They are late to mature and only have a single pup each year, causing their population to be easily endangered.
• The female rays are pregnant almost the entire time they're in the bay.
• According to scientists, the rays have been "scapegoated" for decreases in oyster population. In actuality, the decreases are due to over-collection for human consumption, pollution, disease, and poaching.
• After the contests, the dead and dying rays are dumped back into the water or thrown into a dumpster.

Thank you very much for putting your compassion into action! With your help we can save these marvelous fishes.


Mary Finelli
President, Fish Feel
Silver Spring, Md.
http://www.FishFeel.org
https://www.Facebook.com/FishFeel.org

 

 

Fish Feel is an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.