The Great Lakes region has effectively ended the practice of landfilling fish “waste” generated by the commercial fishing industry, according to an announcement from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP).
A total of 44 companies have now signed the 100 percent Great Lakes Fish Pledge, committing to productively use all parts of the fish they catch, raise, or process- including heads, guts, skin, and scales. Together, those companies handle more than 30 million pounds of fish annually, representing roughly 90 percent of the Great Lakes commercial catch by volume.
While the Great Lakes support sizeable commercial fisheries alongside expanding aquaculture and fish processing sectors, most operations have historically focused on fillets, with remaining material discarded or sent to low-value uses. The pledge aims to push the region toward full utilization of every fish, while also identifying higher-value uses for byproducts such as fish leather, meal, and oil.
According to GSGP, increasing utilization not only reduces waste but also boosts revenue, supports rural economic development, and creates new jobs, while lowering emissions and improving the long-term resilience of Great Lake fisheries.
“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. “By working to use more of each fish, these organizations are reducing waste, strengthening their businesses, and helping open new markets for Great Lakes-sourced products.”
Industry participants echoed that message, emphasizing both economic and cultural benefits. Wisconsin fisherman Charlier Henriksen said the pledge helps “align and accelerate” work already underway across the region, while aquaculture producer Michael Sellitti of Skytop Springs Fish Farm called full utilization a “natural extension” of responsible production practices.
For tribal fisheries, effort also reflects stewardship values. Doug Craven, director of natural resources for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, said using more of each fish “reflects respect for the resource” and supports both communities and sustainability goals.
Looking ahead, GSGP plans to expand participation in 2026, with a focus on bringing more aquaculture companies and fish cleaning stations into the pledge. The organization says incorporating cleaning stations could help build local collection and processing pathways that turn discarded material into new products and markets.
