Blessing signals start of menhaden fishing season

John Mark Deihl served as harbor master for the 52nd annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony held at Omega Protein in Reedville on Sunday, May 5. Deihl performed the time-honored tradition of tossing a flowered wreath onto Cockrell Creek in memory of fishermen. Omega Protein general manager Andy Hall emphasized the importance of the relationship among the fishermen, others in the industry, their neighbors and community. Hall noted that while this was the 52nd Blessing of the Fleet, this was Omega Protein’s 146th year in operation. “You can only do that with the blessing of the great people around you,” said Hall. Other speakers included local clergy and James C. Hudgins, president of the Virginia Waterman’s Association. Photo by AnnGardner Eubank