The "100% Fish" initiative, a concept championed by the Iceland Ocean Cluster, advocates for utilizing every part of a fish to reduce waste and boost economic returns in the seafood industry. This approach was born out of necessity in the 1980s when Iceland faced a significant decline in its cod stocks, forcing a shift from volume to value. Initially, this involved pressing cod livers for oil and drying heads for cooking. Today, it has evolved into a sophisticated system where fish skins are transformed into leather for fashion or medical-grade skin grafts by companies like Kerecis (recently acquired for $1.3 billion), collagen is extracted for supplements and energy drinks, and cod enzymes are used in skincare products. This comprehensive utilization significantly increases the potential value of a single fish, with estimates suggesting a fully utilized cod could be worth as much as $5,000, compared to just $12-$15 for fillets alone.
This movement addresses a critical issue of waste in the global seafood industry, where 26.2 million tons of aquatic food were lost or wasted in 2021, representing nearly one-sixth of global production. Much of this waste occurs during processing, with discarded parts often ending up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The Iceland Ocean Cluster, founded in 2011, facilitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including marine biologists, fishermen, processors, and entrepreneurs, to develop innovative uses for fish byproducts. This model has been so successful that it's being adopted globally, with similar initiatives emerging in places like the Great Lakes region in North America, Namibia, Korea, and Queensland, Australia.
The "100% Great Lakes Fish Initiative" exemplifies this global expansion. Over 40 companies, representing more than 90% of the Great Lakes' commercial catch, have committed to the pledge, aiming to eliminate landfilling of fish parts by the end of 2025. This material, once wasted, is being repurposed for animal feed and fertilizer, and efforts are underway to develop higher-value products like fish leather, pet treats, collagen, and protein hydrolysates. Experts believe that full-fish utilization in the Great Lakes could generate over $35 million in annual economic benefits. The philosophy emphasizes a moral obligation to use everything caught, transforming what was once waste into profitable resources and strengthening local seafood economies by creating new revenue streams beyond traditional fillets.
