University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point joins initiative to reduce fish waste

The Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) in the United States has joined the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge.

It is the third research institution to join the initiative and the 48th organisation to become part of this binational movement, which seeks to ensure that every part of the fish is fully utilised rather than wasted.

At the facility, fish and fillets from completed research projects are donated, while the carcasses are composted to produce fertiliser. The aim is to make productive use of every fish rather than sending it to landfill.

The 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge had recently committed to including laboratories and research facilities in the Great Lakes states, Ontario and Quebec that work with fish and fish-derived materials.

In addition, UWSP will work with other participating companies and organisations to promote the full utilisation of fish. This includes developing innovative applications for fishery co-products, such as compost, fertilisers, protein, marine collagen and leather.

The Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), an organisation representing the governors of the Great Lakes states and the premiers of Ontario and Quebec, is the driving force behind this initiative.

"Research institutions are essential to developing the technologies, products and partnerships needed to fully utilise every fish. We are delighted to welcome UWSP and look forward to learning from their work," said David Naftzger, Executive Director of GSGP.

According to the Council of Great Lakes Governors, the Great Lakes region is home to a growing number of aquaculture operations and significant commercial fishing activity, yet only around 40% of each fish is consumed or put to productive use.

"The Pledge gives us an opportunity to formalise this commitment, share what we are learning and work with others to advance the full utilisation of fish across aquaculture and research," explained Tyler Firkus, Assistant Director of UWSP NADF.