Permission to enter is most often granted, although visits are not recommended on Sundays or during busy planting or harvesting times. Beaufort Fisheries at the east end of Front Street opened in 1934 and is called the oldest existing industry in the area. Where once there were many, this is now the only menhaden plant operating in the state. Menhaden, an oily, high-protein fish, are caught by company vessels and brought to the docks along Taylor's Creek to be processed into fish meal, oil and solubles. Fish meal is used as a protein component in many animal feeds.
Fish oil is used in margarine, cosmetics and paints.
During processing, a unique smell can travel through the seaside town. Annual production at Beaufort Fisheries is estimated at 10,000 tons of meal and 300,000 to 450,000 gallons of oil. Today the company has about 75 employees and operates three Menhaden boats. Parker Marine Enterprises Inc. specializes in the construction of fiberglass fishing and pleasure boats. The company plant is located on N.C. 101 outside Beaufort.