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 only 41 vessels currently operating in the Gulf region.

The end products from the reduction process include refined fish oil, dry fish meal, and fish solubles. While some of these products go into fertilizers and pet foods, the poultry, swine, and cattle industries are also dependent upon menhaden meal as feed supplements.  In addition, feeds in the aquaculture industry for catfish, trout, salmon, and shrimp may contain up to 40% fish meal.

Menhaden oil contains highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids and is blended with other fats to make cooking oils, shortening, margarine, and other products.  The oil is also a major component of marine lubricants and greases, a plasticizer for the rubber industry, and included in alkyd resins, paints, and even cosmetics.

The health benefits of fish oils have been widely studied and promoted in human diets.  Consumption of fish and fish oil have been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the incidence of heart disease.