Aerial photo of Long Sault Parkway scenic route crossing Thousand Islands archipelago in the Saint Lawrence River near Cornwall, South Stormont, Ontario, Canada. Photo taken by drone in June 2022.
Adobe Stock
Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP) have committed to ending the landfilling of fish “waste”—including heads, guts, skin, and scales—generated by the commercial fishing industry.
The 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge has been signed by 44 companies representing more than 30 million pounds of fish annually, which is equivalent to approximately 90% of the Great Lakes’ commercial catch by volume.
Therefore, the region is moving ever closer to the full utilization of 100% of each fish caught, farmed, or processed in the area, while identifying new uses for materials such as fish leather, fish meal, and fish oil, among others.
This initiative aims to increase revenues, create new jobs, support rural economic development, reduce emissions, and improve the resilience of Great Lakes fisheries.
Also, full participation by all companies is expected during the year, alongside stronger collaboration between aquaculture companies and fish cleaning stations across the region. The collection, handling, and processing of “waste” will help unlock new products and markets.
"This milestone reflects the leadership of companies across the Great Lakes seafood value chain—commercial fishers, aquaculture producers, and processors—who are proving that full fish utilization is practical," said David Naftzger, Executive Director of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers.
Finally, Executive Secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Marc Gaden, noted: "Seeing industry leaders commit to full utilization is an encouraging example of how sustainability and economic opportunity can move forward together."
