Traverse City Company Joins International Effort That Seeks to Use 100% of Each Fish

(TRAVERSE CITY, MI)--Huron Tackle, a Michigan-based company that collects and repurposes fish waste from cleaning stations across the region, has signed the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge—joining a growing network of companies committed to fully using each fish caught, raised, or processed in the Great Lakes region.

The company specializes in the transportation and handling of fish waste, preparing it for intermediate processing and eventual use in products such as compost and pet food. With its operations centered in Traverse City, Huron Tackle handles material from sport fish cleaning stations around the State.

As part of the pledge, Huron Tackle will help communicate to other companies in the fish supply chain about opportunities for innovative applications for fish byproducts, including compost, fertilizer, protein, marine collagen, leather, or other new, high-value products.

The pledge is part of the 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative created by the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), an organization representing the Governors of the Great Lakes States and the Canadian Premiers of Ontario and Québec.

“We’re pleased to welcome Huron Tackle to the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge,” said David Naftzger, Executive Director of GSGP. “Their work helps create real value from material that would otherwise be thrown away, advancing our shared goal of turning fish waste into jobs and opportunity.”

The Great Lakes region is home to growing aquaculture operations and sizeable commercial fisheries, but only about 40% of each fish (the fillets) are usually eaten. In contrast, the remaining 60% of the fish is often relegated to inexpensive uses or discarded. The 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative seeks new and innovative ways to fully use each fish to reduce waste, create more value and jobs, and support rural economic development. Iceland pioneered this approach and has seen the value of products made from each cod skyrocket from $12 for just the filet to a remarkable $5,000 for products including cosmetics, medical bandages, nutritional supplements, and a range of other products.

“There’s no reason to throw this stuff away when it can be put to good use,” said Marvin Simons, owner of Huron Tackle. “We’re building something that adds value for our community, creates local jobs, and keeps waste out of the landfill. That’s a win for everyone.”

More information on 100% Great Lakes Fish, including a copy of the Pledge, is available at htps://gsgp.org/projects/100-great-lakes-fish/.