Various species of Asian carp
Riverine Fisheries will catch, clean, process, package and transport various species of Asian carp found in Kentucky's waters. The company plans to create 110 new jobs and invest $18.7 million into the project.
"Not only will Riverine Fisheries create new jobs and boost Kentucky exports, but it also will help to control Asian carp," said Gov. Beshear. "I want to thank the company for locating in the Commonwealth, and I look forward to seeing its operation in action and its products being shipped around the world."
The company has purchased a 75,000-square-foot industrial building and also is mooring a self-contained processing vessel in the Mississippi River harbor in Hickman.
Riverine Fisheries plans to catch Asian carp using equipment and technologies that have proven successful in the challenging Pacific Northwest and Alaska fishing industries. Once the carp are harvested, the company will use the ship to process the fish into commercially viable products, such as surimi (imitation seafood), fishmeal, fish oil, mince and fillets. These products will be shipped to every major market in the world.
"Riverine Fisheries is extremely excited to be locating in Hickman," said Joe Gillas, president of Riverine Fisheries. "We are very thankful to Eddie Crittendon and the Fulton County- Hickman County Economic Development Partnership for their help over the last several months and their commitment to finding a solution to any obstacle that arose, while also working with our company to make this project happen. We have been very pleased with the level of support that we have received from federal, state and local officials, and we look forward to being a part of the community."
Riverine Fisheries will focus on Asian carp that are invading Kentucky Lake, the Mississippi River, Cumberland River, Cumberland River and Tennessee River. In addition to targeting Asian carp the company will also process other seafood products brought in from other areas of the U.S.