Transforming Fishery Waste into High Value Products

By. Sofie Thoriq - 30 Sep 2025

Transforming Fishery Waste into High Value Products

Kelolalaut.com Utilization of fishery waste is an important topic in fisheries, food security, and environmental sustainability. Instead of being discarded, fishery by-products (like heads, bones, skin, scales, viscera, shells, etc.) can be processed into valuable products with economic and nutritional benefits. Here are the main ways fishery waste can be utilized :

1. Animal Feed

Fish meal: Made from fish trimmings, rich in protein and essential amino acids, widely used in aquaculture, poultry, and livestock feed.
Fish silage: A fermented product from fish waste, cost-effective and used as feed in aquaculture.

2. Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners

Fish waste can be converted into organic fertilizers, supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and trace minerals.
Chitin and chitosan from crustacean shells improve soil health and plant growth.

3. Bioactive Compounds & Nutraceuticals

Collagen & gelatin: Extracted from fish skin, scales, and bones, widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food.
Chitin & chitosan: From shrimp and crab shells, with applications in food preservation, medicine, and water treatment.
Fish oil & omega-3 fatty acids: From fish heads and viscera, beneficial for heart and brain health.

4. Energy Production

Biogas: Anaerobic digestion of fish waste produces methane for renewable energy.
Biodiesel: Fish oil can be converted into biodiesel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

5. Food Products

Surimi from fish trimmings (used in imitation crab sticks, fish balls, etc.).
Fish protein hydrolysates used as food supplements or flavor enhancers.

6. Industrial Uses

Enzymes (e.g., proteases, lipases) extracted from fish viscera for use in detergents, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
Fish scales as raw material for bioplastics and even pearlescent pigments in cosmetics.

Benefits of Utilizing Fishery Waste

Reduces environmental pollution from discarded waste.
Provides additional income sources for fisheries and coastal communities.
Supports circular economy and sustainable fisheries.

When we talk about profitable fishery waste production, we’re looking at ways to transform what was once considered “waste” into high-value products that generate significant income. Here are some of the most profitable fishery waste utilizations :

1. Fish Oil & Omega-3 Supplements

Source: Fish heads, liver, viscera.
Products: Omega-3 capsules, functional foods, cosmetics.
Profitability: Very high due to strong global demand for health supplements.

2. Collagen & Gelatin

Source: Fish skin, scales, bones.
Products: Collagen powder, gelatin for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Profitability: High – collagen supplements and beauty products are booming worldwide.

3. Chitin & Chitosan

Source: Shrimp and crab shells.
Products: Biodegradable films, medical wound dressings, water purification materials.
Profitability: High – because of wide industrial, medical, and environmental uses.

4. Fish Protein Hydrolysates

Source: Fish trimmings, frames, viscera.
Products: Protein powders, flavor enhancers, sports nutrition products.
Profitability: Medium to high – growing demand in functional food and nutraceutical markets.

5. Surimi & Processed Foods

Source: Fish trimmings, small fish.
Products: Crab sticks, fish balls, imitation seafood.
Profitability: High – surimi-based products are in demand in Asia and global markets.

6. Enzymes

Source: Fish pancreas, stomach, and intestines.
Products: Industrial enzymes (protease, lipase) for detergents, pharmaceuticals, and food industry.
Profitability: High – niche but valuable market.

7. Biogas & Biodiesel