Omega Protein has received a second Friend of the Sea (FoS) certification, this time for its sustainable fish meal and fish oil derived from Gulf menhaden caught in the Gulf of Mexico.
The company, which already holds certification for sustainable Atlantic menhaden, uses selective fishing methods and sources from non-overexploited stocks to produce omega-3 fish oil. The discard rate is zero, and by-catch is minimal, thanks to a system onboard its vessels that allows larger, non-targeted fish to easily escape during the loading phase.
"Sustainability is a core value at Omega Protein and this practice has allowed us to prosper for over a century," said Bret Scholtes, president and CEO.
"We are pleased that both of our Gulf and Atlantic menhaden fisheries have been recognised as sustainable by Friend of the Sea,” he added.
A full traceability system is also in place throughout the company-owned supply chain, from fishery to production facility and finished product manufacturing. The company says this guarantees that no mixing between approved and non-approved sources occurs.
