Omega Protein is the alpha dog of the fish-meal market. With a handful of US processing plants, a fleet of some 40 fishing vessels, and 30-plus spotter aircraft, the company is the largest US producer of fish meal and fish oil, derived from menhaden (an inedible fish found 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; the fish oil is used in Europe in margarine and for industrial ends. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (linked to health benefits), fish oil is also used as a human food supplement. Through subsidiaries, Omega Protein provides nutraceutical ingredients and compounds, including Omega-3 fish oils.