How is discarded fish material sometimes used after preprocessing?

During the preprocessing of fish, a significant portion of the raw material—ranging from 30 to 70 percent—is often removed as nonedible waste, including viscera, heads, tails, and fins.1

Historically, this discarded material has been converted into animal feed, a practice that remains common today. Additionally, the industry has utilized such materials to produce fish meal, a protein-rich powder used primarily for poultry, swine, and other livestock.123

In light of the limited supply of natural fishery resources, the industry is increasingly focused on more efficient utilization of these raw materials. Current efforts are shifting toward developing alternative food products from this discarded fraction to better conserve resources and meet the growing demand for ready-to-eat products.12