Omega Protein Corporation · Houston, TX United States ·(NYSE: OME)

Omega Protein is the alpha dog of the fish-meal industry. With four US processing plants, a fleet of 58 fishing vessels, and 32 spotter aircraft, the company is the largest US producer of fish meal and fish oil, both of which are derived from menhaden (an inedible fish caught in the Gulf of Mexico and along the East Coast). Animal-feed makers and livestock ranchers use Omega Protein's fish meal for protein additives in feed, while the fish oil is used in Europe in margarine and shortening and for industrial uses. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (reputed to provide health benefits), fish oil is also used as a human food supplement. To read the full description, subscribe now.