Development of fish oil industry in the United States

The American Fish Oil Industry began in 1811 in Rhode Island using extremely crude manufacturing procedures. By 1855 many of the current‐day processing methods were being used, and by 1911 most of such procedures had been adopted. In the intervening years since 1911, most progress has been toward improving quality of the oil and in increasing mechanization. Menhaden oil makes up almost 90% of current American production. Much American fish oil is exported for hydrogenation for use abroad in margarine and shortening. Modern refining techniques have led to improved characteristics and uniformity of specifications permitting many industrial uses without most of the former problems associated with fish oil applications. Protective coatings and fatty acid and fatty acid derivatives are among the most important industrial uses. Some potential uses in the pharmaceutical field may widen demands for fish oil in the future. One such promising possibility, although requiring additional supportive research, is the use by the medical profession of fish oil or fish oil fatty acid fractions in capsule form for prolonging the life of heart patients.