20 B u s i n e s s p l a n | F i s h m e a l a n d f i s h o i l p r o d u c t i o n Fish resources FISH RESOURCES MENHADEN Raw material for the projected fishmeal production are Menhaden, the small coastal fish. These fish are a key source of omega-3 and omga-6 fatty acids, nutrients shown to be essential for regular and healthy body functions and growth in both humans and animals. Omega-3s also help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of serious, prevalent chronic diseases such as heart disease. Menhaden is primarily reduced into fish meal, fish oil, and used for livestock feed and human consumption. Menhaden oil has been marketed as edible oil for many years in Europe, and was approved for human consumption in the United States in 1997. In the Gulf, 98 percent of the catch goes to processing and 2 percent to bait (NOAA). Menhaden migrates in large schools along both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America (see Figure 16). The Atlantic menhaden is one of the most abundant species of finfish in estuarine and coastal Atlantic waters. The species is found primarily in nearshore waters from Nova Scotia to central Florida, but can be found in deeper water in winter. Gulf menhaden range from Mexico across the western and northern Gulf of Mexico to Florida. Atlantic and Gulf menhaden both grow rapidly. Atlantic menhaden mature at 3 years, when they are about 25 centimeters long and weigh about .2 kilograms. In contrast to the Atlantic species, Gulf menhaden reach sexual maturity in their second year and are shorterlived. Animals older than 4 years are rare, though they have been found up to 6 years old. They reach lengths of 20 to 23 centimeters. GULF MENHADEN LANDINGS The majority of the catches and landings for Gulf menhaden occur in Louisiana (90%) and Mississippi (Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission). Landings of gulf menhaden (see Figure 18) for reduction in 2014 totaled 391,854 MT (1,289 million standard fish). This is down 21% from total landings in 2013 (497,503 MT), and down 23% from the previous 5-year mean (505,262 MT).\ The decrease is tired with consolidation of processing companies, so there are now many fewer menhaden fishing vessels and reduction plants than in past years. The corporate consolidation and economics of menhaden processing plants have brought their number from thirteen to four. Now there are only two companies operating in the in the Gulf fishery: Omega Protein, Inc. and Daybrook Fisheries. Figure 18. The Gulf menhaden fishery Figure 19. Gulf Menhaden landings (1000 MT)
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