Introduction

The gulf menhaden reduction fishery is one of the largest fisheries, by volume, in the United States. The gulf menhaden fishery is also one of the most effort-controlled fisheries with about 40 harvesting vessels (steamers) and two run-boats currently operating in the region.  Run boats transport fish from the steamers to the plant and allow the steamers to remain on the fishing grounds.

The end products from the reduction process are crude fish oil, fish meal, and fish solubles.  Fish meal is a high protein ingredient used in animal feeds primarily for pets, young pigs, dairy cattle and various aquaculture feeds from finfish to shrimp.  Fish oil is primarily used in aquaculture feeds with the overwhelming share going into farmed salmon feeds.  Fish solubles are mostly added back to the meal to increase nutrient availability however some are withheld and are sold as a thick viscous liquid for organic fertilizer and to a lesser extent to the aquaculture feed markets as an attractant.

Menhaden oil is rich in highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids.  These heart healthy fats have been shown to improve cardio-vascular health as well as a myriad of other health benefits including inflammatory disorders, vision (macular degeneration), immune and reproductive functions.  Some menhaden oil is refined and deodorized for use in supplements and as an ingredient in some functional foods.

The health benefits of fish oils have been widely studied and promoted for human diets.  Consumption of fish and fish oil have been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the incidence of heart disease, fight depression, and provide good fetal-maternal nutrition.