"Omega Protein and the Atlantic menhaden fishery have operated according to the highest standards of sustainability for a long time," said Monty Deihl, the Company's Vice President of Operations. "Today's report is an encouraging sign that our hard work is paying off. We look forward to working with MSC going forward to ensure that we continue to meet their high standards."
 
The report was produced by a team of independent scientists and assessors employed by SAI Global to carry out the Atlantic menhaden assessment against the MSC fishery standards. Stakeholders and members of the public now have 30 days to comment on the report, which has completed peer review by independent third-party experts.

Fisheries that pursue a MSC Sustainability Certification undergo a rigorous process. They are evaluated against 28 performance indicators in three categories: sustainability of the stock, efforts to minimize environmental impacts, and effective management. To be certified, the fishery must score a minimum of 60 out of 100 in all 28 indicators, and an average of 80 in each overall category.
 
The assessment includes an analysis of all relevant information about the fishery, site visits and interviews with managers and stakeholders, peer review by independent third party experts, and a public review. Certifiers are required to carefully consider all comments received before issuing a final report. Finally, stakeholders are given 15 working days to raise any objections to the final report.