Ocean Harvesters

08/15/2026

The F/V Calcasieu Pass, a retired menhaden vessel formerly operated by Ocean Harvesters, was intentionally sunk this week at Delaware Reef Site 13, approximately 26 miles off the coast. It will now begin a second life as artificial reef habitat, adding structure for marine life and providing new opportunities for recreational fishing and diving.

“Retired working vessels can continue to provide value long after their fishing days are over,” said Monty Deihl, CEO of Ocean Harvesters. “We’re pleased to see the Calcasieu Pass begin a new chapter as marine habitat, supporting the ecosystem while creating new opportunities for anglers and divers.”

The F/V Calcasieu Pass, a retired menhaden fishing vessel formerly ...

07/27/2026

Ocean Harvesters and Omega Protein teamed up this past week to pick 3,308 pounds of corn with Healthy Harvest Food Bank. We are proud to partner with an organization dedicated to providing nutritious foods to families in need across the Northern Neck and beyond!

07/13/2026

Congratulations to Jillian Jenkins for winning the 2026 Ocean Harvesters scholarship!

Jillian is the daughter of Jason Jenkins, the 2nd Engineer on Ocean Harvesters' F/V Rappahannock, based out of Reedville, Virginia. Jillian will be attending JMU in the Fall.

Congratulations Jillian, we wish you all the best as you begin college!

06/29/2026

Ocean Harvesters supports $2 million in new funding for Atlantic menhaden research that can help inform a science-based Chesapeake Bay harvest cap.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in collaboration with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to develop a scientific study of the Bay’s Atlantic menhaden population,” said Ocean Harvesters CEO Monty Deihl. “We were especially pleased to see that the ongoing work being funded by the Science Center for Marine Fisheries will be available to support the study.”

On the heels of the Virginia General Assembly approving a $205 billion biennial budget on June 22 without including funding for the menhaden study, Governor Abigail Spanberger proposed adding amendments that include $2 million for the menhaden study.

06/27/2026

"We are extremely pleased that Gov. Abigail Spanberger has announced her intention to send budget language to the General Assembly that includes a study of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. We look forward to continuing to work with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in collaboration with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to develop a scientific study of the Bay's Atlantic menhaden population.

We were especially pleased to see that the ongoing work being funded by the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS), a National Science Foundation-supported cooperative research center, will be available to support the study. The SCEMFIS-funded researchers from VIMS, NOAA, and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science have already provided a great deal of scientific guidance as part of their roadmap project to identify the research needed to support a science-based Bay harvest cap. We hope the Virginia General Assembly will adopt the Governor's amendment, and we look forward to working with stakeholders involved in the process.

Last, we are also very grateful to the legislators who have worked to help ensure that jobs are protected and the study is based on sound scientific data."

REEDVILLE, VA / ACCESS Newswire / June 26, 2026 / "We are extremely pleased that Gov. Abigail Spanberger has announced her intention to send budget language ...

05/18/2026

It was a busy weekend at Ocean Harvesters in Reedville!

On Saturday, we hosted a community tour aboard the F/V Rappahannock with the Reedville Fishermen's Museum. The tour was a success with close to 130 visitors who learned all about our fishing operations.

On Sunday, we joined the Reedville community in celebrating the 54th Annual Blessing of the fleet. A meaningful tradition honoring the hardworking watermen and waterwomen that support our community.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the weekend so special!

05/12/2026

If you're in the Reedville, VA area this coming Saturday, May 16th, stop by and join us for a tour of the F/V Rappahannock!

Ever wanted to step aboard a real working menhaden vessel? Here’s your chance!

Join us on May 16th from 11am–3pm at The Smith Building at the Morris-Fisher Stack for a tour of the F/V Rappahannock!

Open to the public • $10 per person
*Proceeds benefit the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum*

Please wear flat, closed-toe shoes — flip flops, slides, and heels are not recommended.
Questions?
📞 Call 804-453-6529 or
📧 email [email protected]

A huge thank you to Ocean Harvesters/Omega Protein for making this possible! 🐟

04/20/2026

Today marks the start of the 2026 Gulf fishing season. Wishing our team a safe and successful season ahead!

03/03/2026

A recent Baltimore Sun editorial pushed for a moratorium on menhaden fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, which would effectively amount to a shutdown of Virginia’s historic menhaden fishery. The editorial contained many inaccuracies using recycled claims from advocacy groups. We corrected the record in an op-ed published by the Sun this weekend. Here are the facts that we shared:

1) The science is clear that menhaden are not overfished, and the fishery is MSC-certified for sustainability.

2) Osprey reproduction challenges have been observed around the country, and scientists warn against attributing osprey population changes in the Bay to any one factor.

3) Declines in striped bass populations are due to overfishing by recreational interests and environmental factors, not menhaden harvesting.

4) New menhaden science is being conducted, but shutting down the fishery until this work is completed would be against standard fisheries management practices and would be economically reckless.

5) The idea that if the Bay is closed, fishermen can just harvest elsewhere betrays a lack of understanding of realities on the water and would unnecessarily harm working families.

6) The editorial got basic facts wrong, such as misidentifying the company that harvests the fish.

Reader commentary: A spokesman for a Virginia menhaden fishery pushes back on a Sun editorial that called for a moratorium on menhaden fishing.

02/25/2026

Please join us in recognizing and celebrating Black History Month. The menhaden fishing industry has long been supported by a strong African American workforce, a legacy that continues today. In many cases, families have worked in this industry for five and even six generations.

From crew members to captains, to leaders in our office, generations of Black families have played a vital role in building and sustaining our industry.

Happy Black History Month!