Notes From “Time to Reel-in the Pogy Fishers” Series, by T. Balzac:
Question from Thomas Balzac: “Hey, ChatGPT, What corporations control the pogy fish industry in Louisiana? How much do they profit?”
ChatGPT Answer: The pogy fish industry in Louisiana is primarily dominated by a few major corporations, including Omega Protein Corporation, a subsidiary of Cooke Inc., which is one of the largest players in the industry.
However, detailed financial information about specific profits made by these corporations in the pogy fish industry may not be readily available to the public. Financial data, especially profits, can be closely held information and might not be disclosed in detail in public reports. Additionally, the profits can vary based on various factors including market demand, supply, operational costs, and government regulations, among others.
Thomas Balzac: “Tell me more, please, about Omega Protein Corporation, a subsidiary of Cooke Inc.”
ChatGPT: Omega Protein Corporation, before being acquired by Cooke Inc., was a prominent American fishing company that specialized in harvesting menhaden, a type of pogy fish, primarily for the production of fish oil, fishmeal, and other related products.
Omega Protein operated in various locations along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, including significant operations in Louisiana.
Cooke Inc., a Canadian seafood company, acquired Omega Protein Corporation in late 2017. Cooke Inc. is a family-owned company with a diverse portfolio in the seafood industry, including salmon farming, wild fisheries, seafood processing, and distribution.
The acquisition of Omega Protein allowed Cooke Inc. to expand its operations into the menhaden fishing and processing sector, broadening its presence in the North American seafood market.
After the acquisition, Omega Protein continued its operations under Cooke Inc.’s ownership, focusing on the harvesting and processing of menhaden for its various products, including fish oil used in dietary supplements, aquaculture feed, and other industrial applications.
However, specific financial details about the profits generated by Omega Protein as a subsidiary of Cooke Inc. might not be publicly available in great detail due to the private nature of the company’s financial information.
Thomas Balzac: “Where is Omega Protein incorporated?”
ChatGPT: Omega Protein Corporation, prior to its acquisition by Cooke Inc., was incorporated in the state of Nevada, USA. However, after being acquired by Cooke Inc. in 2017, it became a subsidiary of Cooke and was integrated into Cooke’s operations.
As a subsidiary of Cooke Inc., Omega Protein continued its operations in the fishing and processing of menhaden primarily along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States.
Thomas Balzac: “Where is the Cooke family from?”
ChatGPT: The Cooke family, who are the owners of Cooke Inc., originate from New Brunswick, Canada. The company has its roots in this region and has grown to become a prominent player in the global seafood industry.
The family’s history in the seafood business traces back several generations in New Brunswick, where they began as fishermen and gradually expanded their interests to encompass various sectors of the seafood industry, including aquaculture, processing, and distribution.
Their operations have expanded not only within Canada but also internationally, with significant investments in aquaculture and seafood businesses across several continents.
ChatGPT: “Is this conversation helpful so far?”
Thomas Balzac: Yes, thank you (:
