June 10, 2015 — MOSS POINT, Mississippi — Omega Protein’s retired fishing vessel Barataria Bay was sunk approximately 20 miles from the mouth of the Pascagoula River today for use as an artificial reef.
The nearly half century-old ship will now benefit ecosystems and sport fishermen in its new life.
Its exact location will be kept secret for one year to allow the reef to develop undisturbed.
This is the latest collaboration between the company, which is the largest harvester of menhaden in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and nonprofit organization Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks in creating new marine habitats in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Barataria Bay was first stripped of all parts and any hazardous materials in preparation for its final voyage, accompanied by a convoy of local fishermen, business leaders and state legislators.
Read the full story at Gulf Live