Document:

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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.55

Case No. FF-G-008
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                          TITLE XI FINANCIAL AGREEMENT

THIS TITLE XI FINANCIAL AGREEMENT (hereinafter, the "Financial Agreement"),
dated October 19, 2001, is made and entered into by Omega Protein, Inc.,
      ----------------                              --------------------
(hereinafter, the "Borrower"), Omega Protein Corporation, (hereinafter, the
                               -------------------------
"Guarantor"),/1/ and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA acting by and through the
Secretary of Commerce, (hereinafter, the "Government"),

DEFINITIONS: All terms contained herein are defined in the Acknowledgment of
Definitions executed by all parties to this transaction.

WHEREAS, heretofore, the Government, pursuant to the provisions of Title XI of
the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, found at 46 USC Section. 1271 et
seq., and 50 CFR 253, as amended by Public Law 104-297 on October 11, 1996,
known as the Fisheries Finance Program (FFP), made, entered into, and delivered
certain agreements and covenants, as contained in an approval and agreement
letter (hereinafter, the "Approval Letter"), dated May 29, 2001, and such
                                                   ------------
Approval Letter has been accepted by the Borrower and the Guarantor. The
Approval Letter contemplates a loan from the Government to the Borrower, in the
amount of $1,900,000.00 . This transaction will be evidenced by the issuance of
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a Promissory Note to the United States of America by the Borrower, in the amount
of $1,900,000.00, (hereinafter, the "Promissory Note") secured by the property
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listed in ARTICLES I and II, below; and

WHEREAS, the Borrower and Guarantor understand that the Government is unwilling
to enter into the aforementioned transaction unless this Financial Agreement and
related documents are executed by the Borrower and Guarantor. For that reason,
the Borrower and Guarantor have agreed to execute and deliver this Financial
Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the
Borrower and Guarantor hereby agree to the following:

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/1/ In this agreement, use of the singular includes the plural and vice versa.
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                             ARTICLE I: COLLATERAL

The Collateral which the Borrower is giving to the Government in order to obtain
this loan from the Government, includes all of the items listed below:

1. THE EQUIPMENT: The Borrower will provide to the Government
security interests, evidenced by UCC filings, in the full amount of the
Promissory Note, on all of the property described below (hereinafter, the
"Equipment").

     All fisheries unloading, processing holding and distribution equipment of
     whatsoever nature, now or at any time in the future, together with all
     accessories, improvements, replacements, substitutions, or additions
     thereto, used for the Borrower's business on the properties which secure
     the Promissory Note and any other debt to the Government, or on any other
     Borrower's business premises at any other site at which the Borrower now
     conducts, or in the future may conduct, its operations and regardless of
     the Equipment's actual location at any given time. The Equipment shall
     include, but not be limited to: all forklifts, bobcats, cranes, pallet
     trucks, lift trucks, and other product or material movement equipment; all
     trailers, tanks, trucks, or other rolling stock; all fish unloading,
     transfer, and conveying equipment, all fish processing and fish weighing
     equipment; all cooling, refrigerating, freezing, and other fish holding
     equipment (blast freezers, plate freezers, coolers, or other refrigeration
     equipment); all fish packaging equipment; all fish baskets, totes, tanks,
     tubs, and other fish holding equipment; all ice makers; all hand and power
     tools; all inventory and product, subject to lien of credit line lender;
     and all office equipment--all together with all associated equipment,
     machinery, parts, tools, or other items of whatsoever nature and whether
     fixed or unfixed to the aforementioned properties securing the Promissory
     Note.

THIS EXCLUDES ONLY SUCH FIRST UCC SECURITY INTERESTS TO THIRD PARTIES as may be
necessary and appropriate to secure credit from such parties for the specific
purpose of purchasing specific equipment (hereinafter, the "Purchase-Money
Equipment"). In such cases, the Borrower agrees to the following:

     (a) To give to the Government UCC security interests on the Purchase-Money
     Equipment second only to the first interests pledged to the lenders of the
     purchase money (hereinafter, the "Purchase-Money UCC security interests");
     and

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Article I, COLLATERAL (continued)

     (b) That the amount secured by the Purchase-Money UCC security interests
     shall not exceed the specific purchase cost of said equipment; and

     (c) The term of the credit secured to buy the Purchase-Money Equipment (and
     likewise, the duration of the Purchase-Money UCC security interests) shall
     not exceed an ordinarily prudent commercial term; and

     (d) No other Equipment or rights shall be secured by the Purchase-Money UCC
     security interests; and

     (e) Upon full repayment of the amounts secured by the Purchase-Money
     Equipment, as reflected in the Purchase-Money UCC security interests, these
     interests shall be satisfied and the Government's second UCC security
     interest will ascend to first priority.

THE EQUIPMENT SHALL BE INVENTORIED sufficiently to describe with certainty in
the security agreement and associated UCC filing. The inventory shall be valued
by appraisers acceptable to the Government. The inventory and appraisals shall
be at the Borrower's cost and paid before this loan is closed, unless this
requirement is specifically waived by the Government.

THE UCC SECURITY AGREEMENT SHALL CONTAIN the following provisions:

     (a) That the Government may enter upon any premises where the Equipment may
     be located and marshal, secure, protect, and do all things necessary to
     preserve the Equipment immediately upon the Borrower's default, but before
     any judicial action regarding such default; and

     (b) Such other provisions as the Government deems necessary to accomplish
     the intent and purpose of the Approval Letter and otherwise protect its
     interest; and

     (c) Omega Protein, Inc., and Omega Protein Corporation, agree that none of
     these corporations will enter into any transaction or agreement with any
     party which will result in that party having a secured interest in the
     Equipment unless that party first enters into a written agreement, with
     provisions acceptable to the Government, that:

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Article I, COLLATERAL (continued)

     (i) Except for purchase money lien holders, recognize the Government's
     senior interest in, and sole rights to, the Equipment or proceeds of the
     Equipment's liquidation; and

     (ii) Agree not to interfere in any way with, but instead to cooperate in
     all reasonable ways with, the Government entering upon any property owned
     or leased by the Borrower in order to marshal, secure, protect, and do all
     things necessary to preserve the Equipment.

2. THE REAL PROPERTY includes:

     (a) A Deed of Trust in the full amount of the FFP Debt, on such property as
     more fully described in Exhibit A, attached hereto, owned by Borrower,
     together with all improvements thereon which comprise the Borrower's
     fisheries processing facility in Reedville, Virginia.

3. PREFERRED SHIP MORTGAGES:

     (a) A Preferred Ship Mortgage in the full amount of the FFP Debt, on the
     vessel RACCOON POINT, O.N. 532143.

     (b) A Preferred Ship Mortgage in the full amount of the FFP Debt, on the
     vessel SANDY POINT, O.N. 298617.

4. THE GUARANTEE: An unconditional guarantee of repayment of the FFP Debt will
be given to the Government by Omega Protein Corporation.

                        ARTICLE II: ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL

1. INDIVIDUAL TRANSFERABLE QUOTAS: Should a limited fisheries access system be
initiated at some future date under which the Borrower is granted a transferable
fishery conservation and management allocation (including, but not limited to,
allocations, permits, quotas, licenses, cage tags, or any other fisheries access
restriction or right, however characterized, of whatsoever nature) affecting,
necessary for, or in any other way, however characterized, associated with any
of the property included in the Collateral, the Borrower agrees to grant to the
Government a full senior security interest in such allocation by whatsoever
means deemed by the Government to be appropriate (including, but not limited to,
the Borrower's execution of security agreements and the filing of financing
statements under the UCC). Further, if the Borrower fails to do so, the Borrower
agrees that the Government may use, for the Article II, ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL
(continued)

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Article II, ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL (continued)

purpose of executing and otherwise perfecting whatever documents may be required
to effect the grant to the Government of such a full security interest in such
fisheries conservation and management allocation, the attorney-in-fact authority
conferred upon the Government by ARTICLE IX of this agreement.

2. OTHER COLLATERAL: Any new, different, substitute or other collateral which
may, from time to time, be provided by the Borrower or the Guarantor to the
Government, will be subject to all of the covenants and provisions of all of the
documents executed in connection with this transaction, including, but not
limited to the Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, this Financial Agreement, the
Promissory Note, the Approval Letter, and UCC security interests.

            ARTICLE III: GOVERNMENT'S PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT REQUIRED

Without the prior written consent of the Chief, Financial Services Division,
National Marine Fisheries Service, which consent will not unreasonably be
withheld, (1) The Borrower, the Principals, or the Guaranteeing Company may not
take any of the actions prohibited by the Approval Letter dated May 29, 2001; or
                                                                ------------
prohibited by any other of the loan documents.

                ARTICLE IV: BORROWER'S OBLIGATIONS AND COVENANTS

The Borrower shall be bound by and do, perform or discharge all of the following
actions.

1. NOTICES TO THE GOVERNMENT: within ten (10) days of its occurrence, Borrower
and the Guarantor must give the Government written notice of any of the
following:

     (a) Any pending litigation, business reverse, casualty, loss, or any other
     matter which diminishes:

          (i) its ability to service any debt actually or contingently owed the
          Government; or

          (ii) its ability to perform any other duty or obligation owed the
          Government; or

          (iii) its ability to fully and faithfully perform any covenant with
          the Government; or

          (iv) the value of any property or other assets pledged to the
          Government; or

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Article IV, BORROWER'S OBLIGATIONS AND COVENANTS (continued)

          (v) the net worth of any party against whom the Government has
          recourse for this debt.

     (b) The institution of any suit against the Borrower which demands $50,000
     or more; or the institution of any suit demanding $50,000 or more against
     any other person or entity that may adversely affect the Government's
     interest hereunder, in the Promissory Note or otherwise.

       ARTICLE V: FINANCIAL REPORTING TO AND INSPECTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT

1. BORROWER AGREES TO PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN 20 DAYS FOLLOWING THE END OF
EACH QUARTER of its tax or accounting years, a certified correct copy of:

     (a) a balance sheet; and

     (b) an income and expense statement for the preceding twelve months; and

     (c) an aging report of all receivables outstanding; and

     (d) an inventory report for all inventories maintained at the end of each
     year.

2. CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Borrower agrees that:

ANNUALLY: At the end of each fiscal year, said Article V, l(a) through (d) will
be compiled by independent certified public accountants who are acceptable to
the Government.

ALL ANNUAL financial reports required hereunder shall include a certification
from the Borrower's Chief Financial Officer that either:

     (a) There has been no default, as provided by the security instruments,
     during the reporting period; or

     (b) There has been a default, as provided by said security instruments,
     during the reporting period. In this case the nature, extent, prospective
     consequences, and all other relevant details of such default shall be fully
     set forth in such certification.

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Article V, FINANCIAL REPORTING (continued)

3. INCOME TAX RETURNS: All tax returns shall be timely filed/2/ and an executed
copy of Borrower's Federal Income Tax Return, along with all supporting
schedules, must be delivered to the Government within 15 days of its filing or
issuance. Borrower agrees to execute a consent and waiver, valid so long as
Borrower owes a debt to the Government, which allows the Internal Revenue
Service to release directly to the Government, Borrower's Federal Income Tax
Returns, whenever the Government requests same./3/

4. BORROWER TO DELIVER ALL REQUIRED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, notices, returns or
reports to the Government's Southeast Regional Financial Services Branch. All
financial statements shall be signed and delevered within 90 days closed of the
fiscal or accounting year, or such quarter in such year, to which they relate.

5. METHOD OF BOOKKEEPING : Borrower will, at all times, keep proper books of
account according to generally accepted accounting principles, including
financial and operating statments that include schedules showing all
compensation paid by the Borrower.

6. GOVERMENT INSPECTION: Permit the Goverment, or any representative selected by
the Government,in such manner and at such times as the Government may require,
to (a) make inspections and audits of any books, records, papers, or other
documents/4/ of whatsoever nature in the custody and control of the Borrower,
Guarantor, or any other entity, relating in any way to the financial or business
condition or prospects of the Borrower, or Guarantor, including the making of
copies thereof and extracts therefrom, and (b) make inspections and appraisals
of any of the Borrower's or Guarantor's physical assets.

7. BORROWER TO PAY THE COST OF ALL SUCH INSPECTIONS: The cost of all such
inspections, audits, or appraisals shall be initially paid by the Government,
but the Borrower shall reimburse the Government for the full cost thereof within
30 days of the Government's demand and all such amounts disbursed by the
Government for such purpose shall, until fully repaid by the Borrower, be added
to the Borrower's Promissory Note to the Government (payable on demand) and
shall earn interest at the same rate as the other principal of the Borrower's
Promissory Note and shall be secured by the security instruments securing the
Borrower's Promissory Note.

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/2/Timely filing shall include valid extensions filed with the Internal Revenue
Service.
/3/ Borrower agrees to execute IRS Form Nos. 4506 and 8821 or any other form
necessary to implement the provisions of 26 USC Section.6103(c). Failure to do
so constitutes an event of default.
/4/ Including but not limited to off-loading receipts, business transaction
journals, etc.

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Article V, FINANCIAL REPORTING (continued)

8. GUARANTOR'S OBLIGATIONS: Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, above, of this
ARTICLE V, apply to the Guarantor, with the only exception being in Paragraph 4,
the Guarantor has 120 days to deliver financial statements. Additionally, the
Guarantor shall provide to the Government, at the end of each tax year, a
certified correct copy of their Statement of Financial Condition, and if
applicable their SEC-10K Report.

                       ARTICLE VI: VIRGINIA LAW TO GOVERN

To the extent not governed by the laws of the United States, all provisions of
this Financial Agreement shall be construed, given effect, and enforced
according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. With respect to any claim
or proceeding relating to this Financial Agreement, the Borrower and Guarantor
hereby consent to and subject themselves to the jurisdiction of the state and
federal courts located in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and agree that the venue
of any action or proceeding relating to this Financial Agreement shall lie
exclusively in said state. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree, however,
that in the event that an action to foreclose a real property mortgage and
security agreement or deed of trust and security agreement is brought, it will
be brought pursuant to the laws of the state where the real property is located
and the parties hereto hereby consent to and subject themselves to the
jurisdiction of the courts of said state.

                              ARTICLE VII: DEFAULT

1. THE OCCURRENCE OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTES AN EVENT OF DEFAULT:

     (a) ANY FAILURE TO OBSERVE, PERFORM, COMPLY WITH AND DISCHARGE ALL OF THE
     COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, AND OBLIGATIONS WHICH ARE IMPOSED ON:

          (i) BORROWER by the Approval Letter, dated May 29, 2001, this Title XI
                                                     ------------
          Financial Agreement, the Promissory Note, dated October 19, 2001, the
                                                          ----------------
          Deed of Trust dated October 19, 2001, the Preferred Ship Mortgage
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          dated October 19, 2001, and any other agreement or document executed
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          in connection with this Financial Agreement and the Promissory Note,
          concurrently or otherwise, inclusive of amendments thereto, in
          connection with this Financial Agreement, or subsequent amendment or
          agreement, regardless of whether or not the Borrower shall

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Article VII, DEFAULT (CONTINUED)

          be a party to said agreement or document, and such default shall
          continue for fifteen (15) days; or

          (ii) ANY GUARANTOR by any Guaranty Agreement, whether or not the
          Borrower is party to said agreement; or

     (b)  ANY FAILURE TO PAY OR MAKE PAYMENTS ON:

          (i) INTEREST ON THE PROMISSORY NOTE when and as the same shall become
          due and payable as therein provided; or

          (ii) PRINCIPAL ON THE PROMISSORY NOTE when and as the same shall
          become due and payable, whether at maturity, by notice of
          acceleration, or otherwise; or

     (c)  FINANCIAL EVENTS:

          (i) Borrower makes a general assignment for the benefit of the
          Borrower's creditors; or

          (ii) Borrower loses the right to do business, by forfeiture or
          otherwise; or

          (iii) A receiver or receivers of any kind whatsoever, whether
          appointed or not, in admiralty, bankruptcy law, common law, or equity
          proceedings, and whether temporary or permanent, shall be appointed
          for property of the Borrower; or

          (iv) PETITION OR OTHER PROCEEDING OR ACTION IN BANKRUPTCY, regarding
          the BORROWER, is filed by the BORROWER or by creditors of the
          BORROWER; however, no proceeding or action in bankruptcy filed against
          BORROWER by its creditors shall constitute an event of default under
          the Financial Agreement unless such proceeding or action has not been
          dismissed within 60 days of filing. ALL PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT
          ACKNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTAND THAT IN THE EVENT THAT A PETITION IN
          BANKRUPTCY IS FILED BY ANY PARTY OR AN INVOLUNTARY BANKRUPTCY PETITION
          FILED BY A THIRD PARTY IS NOT DISMISSED WITHIN 60 DAYS OF FILING, THAT
          THE FOLLOWING EVENT WILL OCCUR:

               1. THE GOVERNMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE THE ENTIRE AMOUNT
               OUTSTANDING AND DEMAND IMMEDIATE PAYMENT THEREOF; AND

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Article VII, DEFAULT (CONTINUED)

               2. ANY VESSEL THAT SECURES, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, THE SUM OWED THE
               GOVERNMENT WILL RETURN TO PORT AND NOT DEPART UNLESS ORDERED BY
               THE BANKRUPTCY COURT.

     (d) FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ANY OF THE INSURANCE COVERAGE as outlined in
     Paragraph 4: Insurance Requirements, found on pages 14 and 15 of the
     Approval Letter.

     (e) A MISREPRESENTATION OR UNDISCLOSED FACT, deemed material by the
     Government, made or omitted in any application, agreement, affidavit, or
     other document, submitted in connection with this transaction, on behalf
     of, or for the benefit of, or by the Borrower; or

     (f) INSTITUTION OF ANY SUIT AGAINST THE BORROWER or others deemed by the
     Government to affect adversely its interest hereunder, in the Promissory
     Note or otherwise;

2. UPON OCCURRENCE OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT, THE BORROWER AGREES, ACKNOWLEDGES AND
CONSENTS TO the Government, within its authority or discretion, to take any or
all of the following steps, measures or actions, including but not limited to:

     (a) Declare the Promissory Note to be due and payable immediately and upon
     such declaration the entire principal of and interest on the Promissory
     Note, and any other sums owed to the Government, shall become and be
     immediately due and payable, and thereafter shall bear interest at eighteen
     percent (18%) per annum unless such would violate applicable usury laws, if
     any, in which case, the maximum legal rate permitted by applicable laws
     shall prevail; provided, however, that if the Borrower shall have removed
     and remedied each Event of Default within fifteen (15) days after the
     occurrence thereof, then in every such case, the Government shall waive any
     such Event of Default; but no such waiver shall extend to nor affect any
     subsequent or other Event of Default nor impair any rights or remedies
     consequent thereon; and provided, further, that if at any time after the
     expiration of fifteen (15) days after any Event of Default shall have
     occurred, all Events of Default shall have been remedied and removed and
     full performance made by the Borrower to the satisfaction of the Government
     and all installments of principal and interest in arrears (including
     interest at the rate per annum, as aforesaid) and the reasonable charges
     and expenses, if any, of the Government, its agents and attorneys, shall
     have been paid (including interest at the rate per annum, as aforesaid),
     then and in every such case the Government may, in its

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Article VII, Default (continued)

     discretion, waive any such Event of Default; and provided, also, that no
     waiver hereunder shall extend to nor affect any subsequent or other Event
     of Default nor impair any rights or remedies consequent thereon;

     (b) BRING SUIT IN COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION, at the discretion of the
     Government, to obtain judgment for any and all amounts due under the
     Promissory Note, or otherwise hereunder, and collect the same out of any
     and all collateral of the Borrower; and/or

     (c) FORECLOSE THE REAL ESTATE MORTGAGES AND SECURITY AGREEMENTS AND/OR
     PREFERRED SHIP MORTGAGE AND SELL any real and/or personal property which
     secures the FFP Debt; and/or in the case of a Vessel, retake the Vessel
     without legal process wherever the same may be found, and the Borrower or
     other person in possession, forthwith upon demand of the Government, shall
     immediately surrender to the Government possession of the Vessel, and,
     without being responsible for loss or damage, the Government may hold,
     lay-up, lease, charter, operate, or otherwise use the Vessel for such time
     and upon such terms as it may deem to be for its best advantage, accounting
     only for the net profits, if any, arising from such use of the Vessel and
     charging against all receipts from the use of the Vessel, or from the sale
     thereof by court proceeding or pursuant to subsection (e) below, all costs,
     expenses, charges, damages, or losses by reason of such use; and if at any
     time the Government shall avail itself of the right herein given it to
     retake the Vessel and shall retake it, the Government shall have the right
     to dock the Vessel for a reasonable time at any dock, pier, or other
     premises of the Borrower without charge, or to dock it at any other place
     at the cost and expense of the Borrower; IT IS EXPRESSLY UNDERSTOOD AND
     AGREED TO BY THE BORROWER THAT SURRENDER OF THE VESSEL UNDER THIS SECTION
     MUST BE AND WILL BE IMMEDIATE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTIONS OF THE
     GOVERNMENT. FAILURE OF THE BORROWER TO IMMEDIATELY COMPLY WITH THE
     GOVERNMENT'S DEMAND FOR SURRENDER OF THE VESSEL WILL CAUSE THE POSSESSION
     OF THE VESSEL BY THE BORROWER (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, POSSESSION
     AND CONTROL OF THE VESSEL BY A MASTER OR CREW MEMBER ON BOARD THE VESSEL)
     TO BE UNLAWFUL AND TO CONSTITUTE A CONVERSION OF THE VESSEL, ITS
     APPURTENANCES AND EQUIPMENT, THEREBY SUBJECTING THE BORROWER (EXPRESSLY
     INCLUDING, IF APPLICABLE, ITS OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS) TO ALL FINES,
     PENALTIES AND ACTIONS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT DEEMS APPLICABLE AND
     APPROPRIATE. SHOULD THE BORROWER CONTINUE TO OPERATE, POSSESS OR CONTROL
     THE VESSEL CONTRARY TO THE GOVERNMENT'S DIRECTIONS AND THE PROVISIONS
     HEREIN, THEN THE

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Article VII, Default (continued)

     GOVERNMENT SHALL, IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER RIGHTS AND REMEDIES AT LAW AND
     IN EQUITY, BE ENTITLED TO A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND/OR ORDER FOR
     INJUNCTIVE RELIEF NECESSARY TO GAIN COMPLIANCE HEREWITH, IN ADDITION TO
     EXPRESSLY CONSENTING THAT THE INJURY AND DAMAGE RESULTING FROM BREACH
     HEREOF WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO MEASURE MONETARILY, BORROWER EXPRESSLY WAIVES
     ANY DEFENSE BASED UPON AN ALLEGED EXISTENCE OF AN ADEQUATE REMEDY AT LAW.

     (d) Foreclose this Mortgage pursuant to the terms and provisions of the 46
     USC, Chapter 313, or by other judicial process as may be provided in the
     statutes; and

     (e) In addition to any and all other rights, powers, and remedies elsewhere
     in this Mortgage or by law granted to and conferred upon the Government,
     sell the Vessel upon such terms and conditions as it may deem to be for its
     best advantage, including the right to sell and dispose of the Vessel free
     from any claim of or by the Borrower, at public sale, by sealed bids or
     otherwise, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale, with a
     general description of the property by first publishing notice of any such
     sale for ten (10) consecutive days, except Sundays, in some newspaper of
     general circulation at the place designated for such sale, and by mailing
     notice of such sale to the Borrower at its last known address; such sale
     may be held at such place and at such time as the Government in such notice
     may have specified, or may be adjourned by the Government from time to time
     by announcement at the time and place appointed for such sale or for such
     adjourned sale, and without further notice of publication and the
     Government may make any such sale at the time and place to which the same
     shall be so adjourned; and any such sale may be conducted without bringing
     the Vessel to the place designated for such sale and in such manner as the
     Government may deem to be for its best advantage, and the Government may
     become the purchaser at any such sale, and shall have the right to credit
     on the purchase price any or all sums of money due to the Government under
     the Promissory Note, or otherwise hereunder. THE BORROWER EXPRESSLY AGREES
     AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT SALE OF THE VESSEL PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION WILL NOT
     (NOTWITHSTANDING FEDERAL OR STATE LAW TO THE CONTRARY, IF ANY,) IMPAIR OR
     LIMIT THE GOVERNMENT'S LEGAL RIGHT TO COLLECT FROM THE BORROWER ANY
     DEFICIENCY REMAINING AFTER THE SALE. IF ANY SUCH FEDERAL OR STATE LAWS OR
     LEGAL PRECEDENTS MAY BE CONSTRUED TO LIMIT THE GOVERNMENT'S RIGHTS TO
     COLLECTION OF SAID DEFICIENCY FROM THE BORROWER, THEN BORROWER HEREBY
     EXPRESSLY WAIVES, RELINQUISHES AND FOREVER GIVES UP THE RIGHT TO AVAIL
     ITSELF OF SUCH LAWS AND/OR DEFENSES.

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Article VII, Default (continued)

     (d) RETAKE AND/OR SELL THE EQUIPMENT WITHOUT LEGAL PROCESS as provided by
     the Real Estate Mortgages, Security Agreements, and Preferred Ship
     Mortgage, or any other document which has been executed by or on behalf of
     the Borrower; and

        ARTICLE VIII: TITLE XI FINANCIAL AGREEMENT GOVERNS; SEVERABILITY

1. To the extent that any of the terms and conditions of this Financial
Agreement are inconsistent or in contradiction with the terms and conditions of
any other agreement between the Government and the Borrower, including but not
limited to previously executed Title XI Financial Agreements, then the terms of
this Financial Agreement shall govern, otherwise, all such terms and conditions
of such other agreements will continue with full force and effect.

2. The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision(s) of this Title XI
Financial Agreement shall not render any other provision(s) herein unenforceable
or invalid.

                          ARTICLE IX: POWER OF ATTORNEY

Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints the Government the true and lawful attorney
of the Borrower, in its name and stead to execute any other document necessary
to perfect the Government's security interests regarding this transaction and/or
all aspects of the FFP Debt.

                 ARTICLE X: ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD INDEMNIFICATION

Borrower and Guarantor hereby agree to the following with respect to any
environmental hazards or contamination associated with the Collateral:

1. At closing, Borrower must certify in writing that, to the best of its
knowledge, there are currently no defects or environmental hazards on or about
the Collateral. Notwithstanding this, at closing, Borrower and Guarantor will
execute a Certification and Indemnification Agreement Regarding Environmental
Matters which provides that they shall, jointly and severally, be liable for any
and all contamination, cleanup, and environmental actions against the Collateral
and that they are, jointly and severally, liable for all costs and claims
associated with or resulting from any claim, cleanup, or lien imposed against
any of the Collateral.

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Article X, ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (continued)

2. That Borrower and Guarantor will hold the Government harmless from any claim
or duty arising from environmental defects or hazards associated with the
Collateral.

In the event this loan is not closed because of the discovery of such defects or
environmental hazards previously unknown to Borrower, the Government will refund
the commitment fee less all costs incurred by the Government in attempting to
close.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower and the Guarantor have executed this Title XI
Financial Agreement.

                                GOVERNMENT:

                                UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
                                Acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce
                                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                                National Marine Fisheries Service
                                Financial Services Division

                                By:                 /s/
                                   ---------------------------------------------

                                Title: Chief, Financial Services Branch
                                       --------------------------------
                                          Southeast Region
                                          ----------------

                                Date:   October 19, 2001
                                        ----------------

                                           BORROWER: OMEGA PROTEIN, INC.
Attest:

By:    /s/ Robert W. Stockton              By:       /s/ Clark A. Haner
      --------------------------                  ---------------------

Title: Executive Vice President            Title: Controller & Assistant
       -------------------------                 -----------------------
Chief Financial Officer                    Treasurer
--------------------------------           ---------
and Secretary
--------------------------------

Date: October 19, 2001                         Date: October 19, 2001

(SEAL)

                                       14
<PAGE>

                                            GUARANTOR: OMEGA PROTEIN CORPORATION

Attest:

By:      /s/ Clark A. Haner                By:      /s/ Robert W. Stockton
    ----------------------------                --------------------------

Title: Controller and                      Title: Executive Vice President
       --------------                             ------------------------
Assistant Treasurer                        Chief Financial Officer and
---------------------                      -------------------------------
                                           Secretary
                                           -------------------------------

Date: October 19, 2001                     Date: October 19, 2001

(SEAL)

                                       15
<PAGE>

                                    ----------------------------------
                                    Notary Public

     My commission expires:
                           ----------------------------

NOTARY AFFIX SEAL HERE!

                                       16
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                     To Virginia Real Property Deed of Trust
                     ---------------------------------------

                                Legal Description
                                -----------------

     All of those eighteen (18) certain lots, pieces or parcels of land,
together with all improvements thereon and all appurtenances thereunto
appertaining, situate, lying and being in Fairfields Magisterial District,
Northumberland County, Virginia, more particularly described as follows:

PARCEL ONE: Containing five and forty-three one-hundredths acres, more or less,
----------
being the same land that was conveyed to Edna V. Crowther by Albert Morris, et
al, by deed bearing date the 16th day of April, 1906, of record in the Clerk's
Office of the Circuit Court of Northumberland County, Virginia, in Deed Book
"Q", at Page 556 and is described therein as follows:

"Beginning at a post on the shore of Cockrell's Creek, a corner with the land
this day conveyed to the Morris Fisher Company by the parties of the first part
and running thence N 26 1/2 E 9.82 chains across point and pond to a post on the
shore of Cockrell's Creek, a corner with the land this day conveyed to Morris
Fisher Company as aforesaid, thence S 89 3/4 E 1.77 chains around the shore of
Cockrell's Creek to a post a corner with the "Browns' Point" land; thence S 75
1/8 E. 2.77 chains along the line of said "Brown's Point" land to a post a
corner with the land this day conveyed by the parties of the first part to John
P. Crowther, thence S 26 1/2 W. 14.59 chains across point to a post in a marsh,
a corner with the land this day conveyed to John P. Crowther, as aforesaid, and
a side line with the Haynie Snow Company; thence S. 88 3/4 W 35 chains to a
marked cedar tree; thence N 86 1/4 W 74 chains to a post on the shore of
Cockrell's Creek, a corner with the land of the Haynie Snow Company; thence up
and around the shore of Cockrell's Creek following the meanderings thereof the
following courses and distances: N 1 W 2.28 chains, N 15 3/8 W 1.11 chains, N 32
7/8 W 1.88 chains to point of beginning."

PARCEL TWO: Containing nine and thirty-five one hundredths acres more or less,
----------
as aforesaid, being the same land that was conveyed to John P. Crowther by
Albert Morris, et al, by deed bearing date 16th day of April, 1906, and of
record in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book "Q" at Page 558; and is
described therein as follows:

"Beginning at a post in marsh, a corner with the land this day conveyed by the
parties of the first part to Edna V. Crowther and on a side line with the land
of Haynie Snow Company and running thence S 89 3/8 E 8.39 chains along the land
of Haynie Snow Company and John A. Haynie, to a post; thence N 19 1/2 E 12.86
chains to a post, near corner of barn, and on a side line with the "Browns'
Point" land, thence N 81 1/2 W 6.09 chains along line of "Browns' Point" land to
a post a corner with land this day conveyed by parties of the first part to Edna
V. Crowther; thence S 26 1/2 W 14.59

                                       17
<PAGE>

chains along the line of the land of Edna v. Crowther to the point of
beginning." PARCEL THREE: Containing eight and one-half (8 1/2) acres, but was
            ------------
sold and is hereby conveyed not by the acre, but in gross, be the area thereof
however so much more or however so much less than is above stated, and is
bounded as follows, to-wit: On the north, west and south by the waters of
Cockrell's Creek, and on the east by the land formerly of Edna V. Crowther, and
is the identical lot or tract of land which was conveyed to Wilmer E. Davis by
deed from Northumberland Fisheries, Incorporated, bearing date on December 20,
1935, reference to which said deed and to deeds and papers therein mentioned, is
hereby especially made for a more full and complete description of the lot or
tract of land hereby conveyed.

The said Parcels One, Two and Three are the identical parcels as were conveyed
unto Menhaden Fisheries, Inc., by deed of Menhaden Products Co., Inc. dated
April 27, 1984, duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 238,
at Page 33.

PARCEL FOUR: Containing 1.70 acres, be the same however ever so much more or
-----------
less, and being more particularly shown and described as "R.O. Dawson", on that
certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land of Reedville Oil
and Guano Company, Incorporated" dated December 29, 1958, made by Charles E.
Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, which plat was duly filed in the Clerk's
Office aforesaid on February 12, 1959, in Plat Book 1, at Page 186, to which
plat reference is hereby expressly made for a further and more accurate
description of the real estate herein conveyed.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Zapata Haynie Corporation
by deed of Erma Gladys Cockrell, et vir, et al, dated March 11, 1975, duly
                                 -- ---  -- --
recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 174, at Page 476.

PARCEL FIVE: Containing one acre by estimation, be the same ever so much more or
-----------
less, being more particularly shown and described in part as "D.F. Wood" on the
aforesaid plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey of the land of Reedville Oil
and Guano Company, Incorporated", and being further described with reference to
a plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land of Zapata Haynie
Corporation" dated January 23, 1975, made by Warren R. Keyser, Certified Land
Surveyor, as follows: Beginning at a pipe along the center line of a ravine or
marsh, a corner with land of Zapata Haynie Corporation; thence North 06 degrees
41' 43" East along the line of Zapata Haynie Corporation a distance of 227.20
feet to a pipe, thence South 87 degrees 15' 37" West along line of Zapata Haynie
Corporation a distance of 204.42 feet to a pipe; thence South 88 degrees 37' 37"
East along the land of Zapata Haynie Corporation a distance of 136.53 feet to a
pipe; thence South 22 degrees 08' 37" East along the land of Zapata Haynie
Corporation a distance of 90.47 feet to a pipe in the center of a marsh or
ravine; thence South 42 degrees 27' 23" West along the center line of the marsh
or ravine to a point in a pond; thence South 80 degrees 17' 53" West along the
approximate center line of the pond, marsh or ravine to a pipe, the point of
beginning, said parcel being shown as "D.F. Woods" on said plat.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Zapata Haynie Corporation
by deed of

                                       18
<PAGE>

William Henley Lee, Jr., et ux, et al, dated December 30, 1982, duly recorded in
                         -- --  -- --
Deed Book 226, at Page 441 in the Clerk's Office aforesaid.

PARCEL SIX: Containing 16.6 acres, but conveyed in gross and not by the acre, as
----------
is more fully shown on the plat of survey prepared by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr.,
Certified Land Surveyor, dated May 23, 1978, entitled, "Boundary Survey of
Zapata Haynie Corp." which plat is duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid
in Deed Book 196, at Pages 560, 561, reference to which is hereby expressly made
for a further and more accurate description of the real estate herein conveyed.

Together with a right of way along the existing private road extending from the
southeasterly corner of the property described as Parcel Six to Virginia State
Highway Route No. 659, for purposes of ingress and egress to and from the
property herein conveyed and the State Highway.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Zapata Haynie Corporation
by deed of Cecil Jett Haynie and Reba S. Haynie, husband and wife, dated May 25,
1978, duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 196, at Page
558.

PARCEL SEVEN: Containing 16.837 acres, be the same however so much more or less,
------------
this conveyance being made in gross and not by the acre, and being more
particularly shown and described as Parcels "B" and "C" containing 0.187 acres
and 16.65 acres respectively, on that certain plat of survey entitled, "Plat of
3 Parcels of land Located about 0.77 of a Mile South of Tibitha, in the
Fairfield District, Northumberland County, Virginia", made by Robert L. Downing,
Certified Land Surveyor, dated March 31, 1978, revised April 11, 1978, duly
recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 197, at Page 214,
reference to which plat is hereby made for a further and more accurate
description of the real estate herein conveyed.

This conveyance is made expressly subject to all easements, restrictions,
covenants and conditions of record to the extent that they may lawfully affect
the property hereby conveyed, including, without limitation, the easement of
right of way for Virginia State Highway Route No. 684, as the same is shown on
the aforesaid plat.

Being in part a portion of the property which was conveyed unto Zapata Haynie
Corporation by deed of Joseph C. Jett, Jr., and Violett Best Jett, husband and
wife, dated April 24,1978, duly recorded in Deed Book 196, at Page 216, together
with that certain small portion of land acquired in a certain deed of exchange
dated May 8, 1978, by and between Zapata Haynie Corporation and John B. Lowry
and Barbara W. Lowry, husband and wife, duly recorded in Deed Book 197, at Page
210.

PARCEL EIGHT: Containing approximately 14.53 acres, be the same however ever so
------------
much more or less, this conveyance being made in gross and not by the acre, and
being all that remains of a certain 21.74 acre tract more particularly shown and
described on a certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land of
Reedville Oil and Guano Company, Incorporated", dated January 12, 1966, duly
recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 131, at Page 250-A, LESS

                                       19
<PAGE>

AND EXCEPT HOWEVER that certain 7.2122 acre tract conveyed to Reedville Sanitary
District by deed of Zapata Haynie Corporation dated September 23, 1977, duly
recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 210, at Page 344.

Being the designated portion of that certain real estate which was conveyed unto
Reedville Oil & Guano Company, Incorporated by deed of Earl Robertson Evans, et
                                                                             --
ux, dated February 4, 1966, duly recorded in Deed Book 131, at Page 249, in the
--
Clerk's Office aforesaid.

PARCEL NINE: Containing 2.400 acres as more particularly shown and described on
-----------
that certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land of Haynie
Products, Inc.", dated October 24, 1972, made by Warren R. Keyser, Certified
Land Surveyor, a copy of which plat of survey is duly recorded in the Clerk's
Office aforesaid in Deed Book 162, at Page 342-A, reference to which plat is
hereby expressly made for a further and more accurate description of the real
estate herein conveyed.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Haynie Products, Inc., by
deed of Daisy K. Fisher, widow, dated December 22, 1972, duly recorded in Deed
Book 162, at Page 341, in the Clerk's Office aforesaid.

PARCEL TEN: Containing 10.8 acres, be the same however ever so much more or
----------
less, the same being conveyed in gross and not by the acre, and being more
particularly shown and described on a certain plat of survey made by Charles E.
Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, dated December 11, 1958, a copy of which
plat of survey is duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Plat Book 1,
at Page 178, reference to which plat of survey is hereby expressly made for a
further and more accurate description of the real estate herein conveyed.

Together with a perpetual easement of right of way over, upon and across the
twenty (20) foot right of way as shown on the aforesaid plat lying along the
southeasterly boundary of the property hereby conveyed.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano
Company, Incorporated, by deed of Earl Robertson Evans and Louise McKenney
Evans, husband and wife, dated December 26, 1958, duly recorded in the Clerk's
Office aforesaid in Deed book 109, at Page 267.

PARCEL ELEVEN: Containing 4.6 acres, be the same however ever so much more or
-------------
less, this conveyance being made in gross and not by the acre, and being more
particularly shown and described as "Lot 9" surveyed January 26, 1959, on a
certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land of Reedville Oil &
Guano Company, Incorporated", made by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land
Surveyor, dated January 31, 1959, a copy of which plat of survey is duly
recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Plat Book 1, at Page 185, reference
to which plat is hereby expressly made for a further and more accurate
description of the real estate herein conveyed.

                                       20
<PAGE>

Together with and subject to a certain twenty (20) foot wide easement of right
of way leading from Virginia State Highway Route No. 659, as shown on the said
plat of survey, the use of which right of way shall be in common with all others
lawfully entitled to the use thereof.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano
Company, Incorporated by deed of Nellie Mae Jenkins, widow, dated January 31,
1959, duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 109, at Page
342.

PARCEL TWELVE: Containing 2.6 acre, be the same however ever so much more or
-------------
less, this conveyance being made in gross and not by the acre, and being more
particularly shown and described as "Lot 1", on that certain plat of survey
entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land of Reedville Oil & Guano Company,
Incorporated", made by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, dated
December 29, 1958, filed in the Clerk's Office aforesaid on February 12, 1959,
in Plat Book 1, at Page 186, reference to which plat of survey is hereby
expressly made for a further and more accurate description of the real estate
herein conveyed.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano Co.,
Incorporated, by deed of Seaboard Oil and Guano Company, Incorporated, dated
March 17, 1913, duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book W, at
Page 247.

PARCEL THIRTEEN: Containing 4.34 acres, be the same however ever so much more or
---------------
less, this conveyance being made in gross and not by the acre, and being more
particularly shown and described as "Lot 2", on that certain plat of survey
entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land of Reedville Oil & Guano Company,
Incorporated", made by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, dated
December 29, 1958, filed in the Clerk's Office aforesaid on February 12, 1959 in
Plat Book 1, at Page 186, reference to which plat of survey is hereby expressly
made for a further and more accurate description of the real estate herein
conveyed.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano
Company, Incorporated, by deed of Raymond L. Haynie, et ux, et al, dated
                                                     -- --  -- --
February 23, 1931, duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book
KK, at Page 64.

PARCEL FOURTEEN: Containing .69 of an acre and more particularly shown and
---------------
described as "Lot 3" on that certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey
of the Land of Reedville Oil & Guano, Incorporated", dated December 29, 1958,
made by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, which plat of survey
was filed in the Clerk's Office aforesaid on February 12, 1959 in Plat Book 1,
at Page 186, reference to which plat of survey is hereby expressly made for a
further and more accurate description of the real estate herein conveyed.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano
Company, Incorporated be deed of Daniel F. Haynie and Cora E. Haynie, his wife,
dated January 5, 1934, duly

                                       21
<PAGE>

recorded in Deed Book LL, at Page 196 in the Clerk'sOffice aforesaid.

PARCEL FIFTEEN: Containing 1.86 acres and more particularly shown and described
--------------
as "Lot 4" on that certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land
of Reedville Oil & Guano Company, Incorporated", dated December 29, 1958, made
by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, a copy of which plat of
survey was filed for record in the Clerk's Office aforesaid on February 12,
1959, in Plat Book 1, at Page 186, reference to which plat of survey is hereby
expressly made for a further and more accurate description of the real estate
herein conveyed.

Being the designated parcel conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano Company,
Incorporated, by deed of Ruth Haynie Page, widow, et al; dated December 4, 1951,
                                                  -- --
duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 96, at Page 169.

PARCEL SIXTEEN: Containing 3.17 acres and more particularly shown and described
--------------
as "Lot 5" on that certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey of the Land
of Reedville Oil & Guano Company, Incorporated", dated December 29, 1958, made
by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, filed for record in the
Clerk's Office aforesaid on February 12, 1959 in Plat Book 1, at Page 186,
reference to which plat of survey is hereby expressly made for a further and
more accurate description of the real estate herein conveyed.

Being the designated tract which was conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano
Company, Incorporated, by deed of Ruth Haynie Page, widow, et al, dated December
                                                           -- --
4, 1959, duly recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Deed Book 96, at Page
169.

PARCEL SEVENTEEN: Containing 1.75 acres and more particularly shown and
----------------
described as "Lot 6" on that certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey
of the Land of Reedville Oil and Guano Company, Incorporated", dated December
29, 1958, made by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, filed for
record in the Clerk's Office aforesaid on February 12, 1959, in Plat Book 1, at
Page 186, reference to which plat of survey is hereby expressly made for a
further and more accurate description of the real estate herein conveyed.

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano
Company, Inc. by deed of Raymond O. Dawson, et ux, dated October 28, 1954, duly
                                            -- --
recorded in Deed Book 100, at Page 495 in the Clerk's office aforesaid.

PARCEL EIGHTEEN: Containing 2.67 acres, being more particularly shown and
---------------
described as "Lot 7" on that certain plat of survey entitled, "Boundary Survey
of the Land of Reedville Oil & Guano Company, Incorporated", dated December 29,
1958, made by Charles E. Tomlin, Jr., Certified Land Surveyor, filed for record
in the Clerk's Office aforesaid on February 12, 1959, in Plat Book 1, at Page
186, reference to which plat of survey is hereby expressly made for a further
and more accurate description of the real estate herein conveyed.

                                       22
<PAGE>

Being the identical property which was conveyed unto Reedville Oil & Guano
Company, Incorporated, by deed of John Webster Davenport, et ux, dated July 16,
                                                          -- --
1954, duly recorded in Deed Book 101, at Page 56, in the Clerk's Office
aforesaid.

Parcels One through Eighteen hereinabove described are conveyed expressly
subject to all easements, conditions, covenants and restrictions of record to
the extent they may lawfully affect the subject property.

Reedville Oil & Guano Company, Incorporated had its name changed to Haynie
Products, Inc. as more particularly set forth in a certain set of Articles of
Amendment dated January 24, 1968, duly recorded in Charter Book 3, at Page 347
in the Clerk's Office aforesaid. Zapata Haynie Corporation was the successor by
merger to Haynie Products, Inc., and Menhaden Fisheries, Inc. Zapata Haynie
Corporation had its name changed to Zapata Protein (USA), Inc. as more
particularly set forth in a certain set of Articles of Amendment dated March 31,
1994, recorded in the Clerk's Office aforesaid in Charter Book 5, at Page 401.
Zapata Protein (USA). Inc. had its name changed to Omega Protein, Inc., as more
particularly set forth in a certain set of Articles of Amendment dated March 4,
1998, recorded in the Clerk's Office of the State Corporation Commission for the
Commonwealth of Virginia.

                                       23<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.56

Case No.   FF-G-008
           --------

                               GUARANTY AGREEMENT

RECITALS: THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT, is made and entered into by Omega Protein
Corporation, 1717 St. James Place, Suite 550, Houston, Texas 77056 (hereinafter,
the "Guarantor"), and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, acting by and through the
Secretary of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National
Marine Fisheries Service, Financial Services Division (hereinafter, the
"Government").

DEFINITIONS: All terms contained herein are defined in the Acknowledgment of
Definitions executed by all parties to this transaction.

WHEREAS, in connection with the Government providing financing to the Borrower,
the Borrower has executed and delivered to the Government its promissory note
(hereinafter, the "Note") dated October 19, 2001, in the principal amount of
                                ----------------
$1,900,000.00 and has agreed to execute and deliver a certain Preferred Ship
-------------
Mortgages, Deed of Trust and Security Agreement, UCC Financing Statements
(hereinafter, the "Loan Documents") to the Government for the purpose of
securing the payment of the principal of and interest on the Note and all other
sums due the Government in accordance with its terms and the terms contained in
the Loan Documents.

WHEREAS, the Guarantor understands that the Government is unwilling to enter
into the aforementioned transaction, unless this Guaranty Agreement is executed
by the Guarantor, therefore, in order to induce the Government to enter into the
aforementioned transaction with the Borrower, the Guarantor has agreed to
execute and deliver to the Government an absolute and unconditional guaranty,
(hereinafter, the "Guaranty") of the above-referenced Note, thereby guaranteeing
that all sums stated in the Note and all other sums of any nature owed to the
Government by the Borrower, shall be promptly paid in full when due.

WHEREAS, Omega Protein Corporation further represents to the Government that it
is a corporation in good standing in the State of Nevada and that it will not
allow or permit said status to change, except with the express, written consent
of the Government.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as
follows:

1. The Guarantor unconditionally guarantees that all sums stated in, arising
under the Note, including any and all amendments thereto, to be payable to the
Government, shall be promptly paid in full when due, in accordance with the
provisions governing such payment. This Guaranty Agreement is unconditional and
absolute and if for any reason such

                                       1
<PAGE>

sums, or any part thereof, shall not be paid promptly when due, the Guarantor
will immediately pay the same to the Government pursuant to the provisions
governing such payment, regardless of any defenses or rights of set-off or
counterclaims which the Borrower, Guarantor or any other party may have or
assert, and regardless of whether the Government shall have taken any steps to
enforce any rights against the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other person to
collect such sums, or any part thereof, and regardless of any other condition or
contingency. The Guarantor also expressly agrees to pay the Government all the
costs and expenses of collecting such sums, or any part thereof, or of enforcing
this Guaranty Agreement, expressly including, but not limited to, attorney's
fees. It is expressly understood by the Guarantor that collection expenses may
accrue rapidly and result in significant expenses for which the Guarantor agrees
to be liable. It is further agreed to and understood by the Guarantor that
"costs and expenses" of collection are deemed to include any and all costs,
including but not limited to, accelerated interest charges, attorney fees, and
all other costs and expenses, which the Government may incur to collect sums due
under the Note or hereunder or to protect and preserve collateral pledged in
relation to the obligation, regardless of whether said collateral was pledged by
the Guarantor. The Guarantor agrees to be liable for and pay for said costs and
expenses (including all interest charges thereon) which will continue to accrue
until such time as the Guarantor fully satisfies and discharges the obligation
arising under this Guaranty Agreement.

2. The Guarantor unconditionally guarantees that the Borrower will promptly and
punctually pay all other sums payable under the Note and the Loan Documents,
including any amendments or substitutions therefor, and will duly perform and
observe each and every agreement, covenant, term and condition in such Note and
Loan Documents, or amendments thereto, to be performed or observed by the
Borrower, and upon the Borrower's failure to do so, the Guarantor will promptly
pay such sums and duly perform and observe each such agreement, covenant, term
and condition, or cause the same promptly to be performed and observed.

3. The obligations, covenants, agreements and duties of the Guarantor under this
Guaranty shall in no way be affected or impaired by reason of the happening from
time to time of any of the following with respect to the Note or the Loan
Documents, including amendments or substitutions therefor, or any other document
executed in connection therewith, although without notice to or the further
consent of the Guarantor:

     a. the waiver by the Government, or its successors or assigns, of the
performance or observance by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party of
any of the agreements, covenants, terms or conditions contained in the Note and
the Loan Documents, or any other document executed in connection therewith;

                                       2
<PAGE>

     b. the extension, in whole or in part, of the time for payment by the
Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party to the obligation of any sums owing
or payable under the Note, the Loan Documents or this Guaranty Agreement or of
the time for performance by the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party to
the obligation of any other obligations under or arising out of or on account of
the Note, the Loan Documents any other document executed in connection
therewith;

     c. the modification or amendment (whether material or otherwise) of any of
the obligations of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party to the
obligation as set forth in the Note, the Loan Documents or any other documents
executed in connection therewith;

     d. the doing or the omission of any of the acts referred to in the Note,
the Loan Documents or any other document executed in connection therewith;

     e. any failure, omission, or delay of the Government to enforce, assert, or
exercise any right, power or remedy conferred on the Government in the Note, the
Loan Documents or any other document or agreement executed in connection
therewith, or any action on the part of the Borrower or the Government granting
indulgence or extension in any form whatsoever; and

     f. the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, sale of all or
substantially all of the assets, marshalling of assets and liabilities,
receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors,
reorganization, arrangement, composition, or readjustment of, or other similar
proceeding affecting the Borrower or any of its assets or any other party to the
obligation; and

     g. the release of the Borrower, the Guarantor or any other party from the
performance or observance of any of the agreements, covenants, terms or
conditions contained in the Note, the Loan Documents or any other document
executed in connection therewith, by the operation of law; and

     h. any Order of Judgment entered by a Bankruptcy Court which diminishes,
discharges or declares any of the obligations or amounts owed under the Note and
Loan Documents to be paid or satisfied. The undersigned hereby waive any defense
based upon any Bankruptcy Court order or judgment with respect to any action
based upon this Guaranty Agreement, which is brought against the undersigned in
Federal District Court, or any other court of competent jurisdiction; and

     i. the assumption and/or refinancing of the underlying indebtedness by a
third party.

4. Notice of acceptance of this Guaranty Agreement and notice of any obligations
or liabilities contracted or incurred by the Borrower or any other party to the
obligation are hereby waived by the Guarantor.

                                       3
<PAGE>

5. This Guaranty Agreement may not be modified or amended except by a written
agreement executed by the Guarantor with the consent in writing of the
Government.

6. This Guaranty Agreement may be assigned to any holder of the Note.

7. All agreements, covenants, terms and conditions in this Guaranty Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of the Government and its successors and assigns,
and, without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, shall in particular
inure to the benefit of any holder of the Note.

8. The signature of the Guarantor hereto is, in addition to and not in
limitation of the foregoing, intended as and to have the effect of an
endorsement of the Note by the Guarantor, who hereby waives presentment, demand
of payment, protest and notice of nonpayment of dishonor, and of protest of the
Note and any and all other notices and demands whatsoever.

9. The terms of this Guaranty Agreement shall apply to the Note and all other
loan documents and shall bind the Guarantor to the same extent as though the
Guarantor executed and delivered a separate instrument of guaranty with respect
to each of such instruments and annexed the same thereto.

10. This Guaranty Agreement shall be binding upon the Guarantor and the
Guarantor's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns and all other
legal representatives.

11. Community Property Rights: Each and every term and provision of this
Agreement shall, to the extent necessary or required to subject community
property rights, if any, in the collateral, to the terms hereof and herein
contained be read and interpreted to apply to the Guarantor.

12. The Guarantor acknowledges and represents to the Government that it is a
principal party of interest with respect to the past, present and future
operation of the Borrower's business and that the past, present and future
financial success of the Borrower's business has, does and will directly,
materially and substantially benefit the Guarantor. Accordingly, the Guarantor
acknowledges and consents to any and all regulations and/or Financial Services
Division requirements which require, permit or authorize the Government to
request that the Guarantor execute and deliver a guaranty of sums due under the
Note.

13. All provisions of this Guaranty Agreement shall be construed, given effect,
and enforced according to the laws of the United States. With respect to any
claim or proceeding relating to this Guaranty Agreement, the Guarantor hereby
consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the federal court of
competent jurisdiction of the

                                       4
<PAGE>

State of Louisiana, and agrees that the venue of any action or proceeding
relating to this Guaranty Agreement shall lie exclusively in the federal court
situated in the State of Louisiana, unless the Government has instituted
proceedings where the collateral may be found and in such case, the Guarantor
consents to and subjects itself to the jurisdiction of the federal court which
maintains jurisdiction over the collateral.

14. Prior written consent must be granted by the Government, consent of which
will not be unnecessarily withheld, before the Guarantor shall split-up,
spin-off, merge, consolidate, transfer or allow transfer of its shares and/or
assets as to effect a change in its controlling interest, management, and
financial conditions.

15. If the Guarantor is a corporation, the Guaranty Agreement shall be binding
upon its parent corporation and its subsidiaries.

16. Severability: The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision(s) of this
Guaranty Agreement shall not render any other provision(s) herein unenforceable
or invalid.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Guaranty
Agreement.

                                 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
                                 Acting by and through the Secretary of Commerce
                                 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
                                 National Marine Fisheries Service
                                 Financial Services Division

                                 By:              /s/
                                     -------------------------------

                                 Title:  Chief, Financial Services Branch,
                                         --------------------------------
                                           Southeast Region
                                           ----------------

                                 Date:   December 19, 2001

                                       5
<PAGE>

                                            GUARANTOR:
                                            Omega Protein Corporation

Attest:                                     By:  /s/ Robert W. Stockton
                                               -----------------------
                                                 Robert W. Stockton

By:  /s/ Clark A. Haner
   --------------------
                                            Title: Executive Vice President,
                                                   -------------------------
                                                   Chief Financial Officer and
                                                   ---------------------------
                                                   Corporate Secretary
                                                   -------------------
(SEAL)
                                            Date:  December 19, 2001
                                                   -----------------

                                       6
<PAGE>

                                 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATE OF FLORIDA    )
                    )ss
COUNTY OF PINELLAS  )

     On this the      day of           , 2001, Kell Freeman, Chief, Financial
                 ----        ----------------
Services Branch, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Region, who is the
duly authorized representative of the Secretary of Commerce of the United States
of America, acknowledged that he executed the foregoing instrument as such
representative of the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to the authority vested in
him by the laws of the United States. He is personally known to me and did not
take an oath.

                                               ---------------------
                                               Notary Public

                                       7
<PAGE>

                                 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATE OF FLORIDA    )
                    )ss
COUNTY OF PINELLAS  )

     On this the 19th of October, 2001, Robert W. Stockton, Executive Vice
                 ---------------------
President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, who is the duly
authorized representative of Omega Protein Corporation, acknowledged that he
executed the foregoing instrument as such representative of Omega Protein
Corporation. He is personally known to me and did not take an oath.

                                               ---------------------
                                               Notary Public

                                        8

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