Saving Seafood

VIRGINIA: Omega Protein vessel sunk for artificial reef in secret spot 20 miles south of Pascagoula

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

 

VIRGINIA: Meeting could lead to truce over menhaden

July 26, 2015 — Decades of animosity don’t disappear overnight. But a conversation is a good place to start.

Officials from Omega Protein met with recreational charter captains Tuesday night to discuss the conflict between two groups that depend on the same waters to earn a living.

Reedville-based Omega is the East Coast’s only menhaden reduction fishery. Recreational anglers often have blamed the company for harming certain fisheries. Omega reduces the small, oily fish to produce Omega 3 fish oil supplements and pet food.

There also are small fleets that catch menhaden to sell as bait for commercial and recreational fishermen. In Virginia, Omega often gets blamed for just about any problem caused by the bait industry.

The menhaden fishery is highly regulated by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and must report its catches and mishaps. Omega even employs a Norfolk-based company to take care of spillages or beachings of spilled fish.

Menhaden also are a vital food source for a vast majority of game fish targeted by anglers. And they are considered a filter feeder that is vital to the health of the environment.

Read the full story at the The Virginian-Pilot