Omega Protein Releases New Video of Gov. Terry McAuliffe's Visit to Reedville, Virginia
Reedville, VA (PRWEB) July 08, 2015 -- A video released today from Omega Protein chronicles Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s June visit to the Company’s Reedville fishing facility, where the Governor signed a proclamation officially setting the Commonwealth’s menhaden harvest level at 158,700 metric tons, a 10 percent increase over last year’s levels. The Governor praised Omega Protein’s sustainable operations and the Company’s economic input to the state’s rural Northern Neck region, noting that that the results of the proclamation alone will likely create dozens of new jobs.
“The fishing industry, and what this means for the Commonwealth of Virginia for economic activity, for futures for these families and their children, is so important, so I was glad to sign the proclamation today,” said Gov. McAuliffe in the video. “The menhaden fishing industry is so important to the Commonwealth. We’re preserving and doing what we need to do to preserve and create jobs, but at the same time we’re doing our part to protect the Bay.”
The harvest increase comes as a result of the latest Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission menhaden stock assessment, released in January. The assessment found that the fishery is being operated sustainably, with menhaden neither being overfished nor experiencing overfishing. The Commission later voted in May to increase harvest levels coastwide by 10 percent.
Reedville, Virginia and the Northern Neck area have for many years been the center of the Atlantic menhaden fishery, in fact the town anchors America’s fifth most productive port by volume. Today Omega Protein remains one of the region’s largest employers and the Company has roots in the community stretching back over a century.
“This plant has been here for over a hundred years. We have employees here who are fifth and sixth generation, who built this company, right here in Reedville, from being a simple fertilizer factory to one of the world’s leading, most vertically integrated and trusted suppliers of human nutrients and animal nutrition,” said Omega Protein Vice President of Fishing Operations Monty Deihl in remarks delivered at the Governor’s signing.
Omega Protein’s Reedville facility continues to innovate in its second century of operation. It has taken steps to reduce its water usage, as well as embarking on pioneering efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption by using renewable diesel oil. The Company remains an active member of the Reedville community, with its employees regularly volunteering with local charities. The Governor’s proclamation strengthens the long-running ties between Omega Protein and the Reedville community.
Ben Landry, Omega Protein, http://omegaprotein.com, +1 (713)-940-6183, [email protected]
Share this article