<PAGE>
 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER           DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
 -------          ----------------------
 <C>      <S>
    21    --Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
    23(a) --Consent of Huddleston & Co., Inc.
    23(b) --Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
    23(c) --Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
    24    --Powers of attorney.
    27    --Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>

- --------
+  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed
   as an exhibit pursuant to the requirements of Item 14(c) of Form 10-K.
 
  (B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
  Current Report of Form 8-K dated July 11, 1994 with respect to a press
release announcing the separation of Zapata Protein, Inc., the Company's
menhaden fishing and marine protein subsidiary; and the change in the
management of Zapata.
 
  Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 18, 1994 with respect to a press
release announcing the initiation of a stock repurchase plan for holders of
Zapata Common Stock with less than 100 shares.
 
  (C) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
  Filed herewith as financial statement schedules is the schedule supporting
Zapata's consolidated financial statements listed under paragraph (a) of this
Item, and the Independent Public Accountants' Report with respect thereto.
 
                                       67