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Remember Omega Protein, the Houston-based company that has been turning millions of pounds of Chesapeake Bay fish into cat food, fertilizer, and chicken feed? Omega targets menhaden, which has been dubbed "the most important fish in the world" for it's role as food for everything from whales to striped bass as well as it's value as a dead zone-fighting filter feeder. Well, it's not just a Chesapeake problem, or even just an Atlantic one - Omega takes as much or even more menhaden out of the Gulf of Mexico. Fishermen and environmentalists have been raising concerns about Omega's operations in the Gulf for a long time, especially about the enormous amount of bycatch they take. Along with all those menhaden, the fleet vacuums up highly desirable sportfish like red drum and snapper and even some sharks. Fortunately, the great state of Texas is responding to concerns and taking some important baby steps towards holding Omega accountable. Measures are under consideration which could cap the amount of menhaden the company could take from Texas waters, and force Omega to allow independent fisheries observers on their boats. If you ask me, Texas should just kick Omega out completely, but... this is still a good move in the right direction.
Robin seemed impressed to see enviros working alongside sportfishing groups, but couldn't promise us much. The state is waiting to hear from more people on this before they take action. We know they're hearing from Omega, which is calling out all the stops trying to prevent any regulation of their fishery (as usual). If you live in Texas, drop them a line and let them know you agree that the fishery needs a hard catch limit, with observers on board. And while they're at it, they should ban spotter planes too - fishing with airplanes? Come on! Thanks for reading -
John H
jhocevar
Austin, TX USA
John Hocevar knew that he wanted to protect the world’s oceans from the first time he saw the beach when he was four years old. Since that time, the marine biologist has worked on a host of ocean conservation issues from protecting the habitat of endangered sea turtles in Florida to teaching marine biology and environmental science to students. John has extensive experience in coral reef conservation, and worked with Coral Cay Conservation to develop a coastal management plan for the Government of Belize. In addition to ocean conversation work, John has spent time organizing students around various environmental and social justice issues. Before coming to Greenpeace in 2004, John was the founder and executive director of Students for a Free Tibet.
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