The Louisiana Menhaden Industry: An Economic Engine for Coastal Communities

For more than a century, Louisiana’s commercial menhaden fishery has been a pillar of the state’s coastal economy, providing stable jobs, sustaining businesses, and fueling essential industries worldwide. From the Gulf waters to global markets, menhaden fishing supports communities and industries that rely on its valuable marine ingredients – fish meal and fish oil – for aquaculture, pet food, and human nutrition.

Leading the industry, Omega Protein and its fishing partner Ocean Harvesters, along with Daybrook Fisheries and its fishing partner Westbank Fishing, operate one of the largest and most productive fisheries in America. Their work transforms Gulf menhaden into high-value products that drive innovation and sustainability across multiple industries.

A Vital Industry for Louisiana

The menhaden industry is more than just fishing – it’s an economic engine that sustains livelihoods and strengthens coastal communities. The industry:

• Generates $419 million in annual economic output
• Supports over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs
• Contributes $25 million in state and local tax revenue
• Provides wages exceeding $50,000 per year, plus benefits

These well-paying jobs, particularly in rural areas, sustain Louisiana’s working coast through multiple generations. In a state where commercial fishing is deeply woven into our culture, the menhaden industry ensures that economic opportunity remains a reality for coastal families.

Regional Economic Impact

Together, Omega Protein and Ocean Harvesters generate well over $100 million in economic activity annually, benefiting Vermilion Parish and surrounding areas. With a workforce of more than 260 direct and skilled employees, these companies provide stable, high-wage jobs, offering more than $21 million in annual payroll and benefits – making them among the largest and highest-paying employers in the region.

Likewise, Westbank Fishing, a Louisiana-based, U.S.-owned company, plays a vital role in Plaquemines Parish, with all its catch processed locally at Daybrook Fisheries in Empire, LA. Together, these operations support over 400 employees, making it the largest employer in southern Plaquemines Parish. In 2023, total employee compensation, including wages, bonuses, and benefits, reached $36.5 million, underscoring the industry’s critical economic role in the region.

Statewide, the Louisiana menhaden industry procures goods valued at   over $62.4 million from businesses in 32 parishes. Beyond its core operations in Plaquemines ($11.4 million) and Vermilion ($7.4 million) parishes, significant industry-related expenditures flow into: Jefferson Parish ($6.4 million), Terrebonne Parish ($6 million), Lafayette Parish ($5.9 million), Orleans Parish ($3.7 million), East Baton Rouge Parish ($3.5 million) and Lafourche Parish ($3.2 million), among others.

Additional parishes benefiting from over $1 million in industry-driven spending include St. Mary, St. Martin, Calcasieu, Iberia, St. Tammany and St. John the Baptist. Many others receive between $500,000 to $1 million, reinforcing how the menhaden industry fuels local economies far beyond coastal fishing communities.

Advertisement

This widespread economic footprint in Louisiana underscores the industry’s vital role in creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and sustaining Louisiana’s working coast statewide.

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

When the Louisiana menhaden industry thrives, so do our coastal communities. We are committed to both economic growth and responsible stewardship of our unique coastal environment. Our work supports:

• A science-driven approach to fisheries management, ensuring responsible harvest levels and minimal environmental impact
• Long-term job stability for generations of fishing families
• Innovation in marine ingredient production to improve nutrition worldwide

Louisiana’s menhaden industry has long-balanced economic prosperity with responsible stewardship of our marine resources. Through science-based management and ongoing innovation, we remain committed to sustainable fishing practices that protect our waters, support our communities, and drive economic growth. As we look to the future, this industry will continue to provide stable jobs, strengthen local businesses, and deliver essential products that power global nutrition—ensuring that Louisiana’s working coast thrives for generations to come.