Company to process Asian carp in western Ky.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A facility is planned in western Kentucky that will catch, process and sell Asian carp.

According to a statement from Gov. Steve Beshear’s office, Riverine Fisheries International LLC has purchased a 75,000-square-foot building in Hickman and plans to invest $18.7 million into the project that will create 100 jobs.

After the carp are harvested, the company plans to process them into products, such as imitation seafood, fishmeal, fish oil, mince and fillets that will be shipped around the world.

Joe Gillas, president of Riverine Fisheries, says the company is “extremely excited” about locating in Hickman and will focus on Asian carp that are invading Kentucky Lake, the Mississippi River, the Cumberland River, and the Tennessee River.

The company formed in 2013 to help rid waterways of the invasive fish, which are seen as a threat to native species.

“Not only will Riverine Fisheries create new jobs and boost Kentucky exports, but it also will help to control Asian carp,” Beshear said in a statement announcing the project.

Sen. Stan Humphries, of Cadiz, said the facility would benefit the state in multiple ways.

“Riverine Fisheries International is proposing to create jobs and boost the economy while assisting the state by helping rid the waterways of Asian carp, an invasive species that threatens native fish and other species,” he said. “We welcome Riverine Fisheries’ contributions to both the economy and the environment.”