December 26, 2012 — According to Mike Wayne of the ASMFC, 80 percent of the menhaden caught are used to acquire Omega-3 fatty acids essential in fish oil pills, cosmetics, animal feed and more.
The 20 percent cut could do harm to the omega protein industry. Believing that the ASMFC’s own scientific experts provided the board with invalid information, Omega Protein Inc.’s CEO Bret Scholtes said the commission acted without definitive findings.
“Omega Protein is disappointed by the commission’s decision to adopt these harvest reductions,” Scholtes said. “In this already difficult economic climate, families who depend on this fishery deserve better. They are the backbone of hardworking coastal communities.”
Ben Landry, director of public affairs for Omega Protein Inc. said he believes some sort of changes will have to be made.
“We’re still working through what operations adjustments we’ll have to take. We’re clearly disappointed that the commission chose to go forward,” he said.
He also believes that a 10 percent harvest restriction would have been more reasonable than the 20 percent cap.
Omega Protein Inc. is a member of Saving Seafood, a nonprofit corporation funded by the fishing industry. Comprised of fisheries along the coast, it works with boat owners, captains, fishermen, seafood processors and brokers committed to resource preservation.
Menhaden Fisheries Coalition, a part of Saving Seafood, is a an organization made up of fishery associations, bait processors, waterman associations and more dedicated to supporting the livelihood that has fueled many hardworking, blue-collar towns along the Eastern Seaboard.
As a member of the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition, Omega Protein Inc. believes that the organization is imperative in pulling together companies for the same cause.
“Omega can’t do this by themselves,” said Landry. “Finding partners with the same goal is important for the future of our work.”