TRAVERSE CITY — Huron Tackle, a Traverse City-based company, has joined the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge, an international effort to use every part of fish caught, raised or processed in the Great Lakes region.
By signing the pledge, Huron Tackle becomes the 39th company to commit to preventing fish waste and promoting sustainable practices.
The company specializes in collecting and repurposing fish waste from cleaning stations across Michigan, transforming it into products like compost and pet food.
“We’re pleased to welcome Huron Tackle to the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge,” said David Naftzger, Executive Director of the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP).
The 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative was created by the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers, representing the Governors of the Great Lakes States and the Canadian Premiers of Ontario and Québec.
The initiative aims to reduce waste, create more value and jobs, and support rural economic development.
Huron Tackle will help communicate opportunities for innovative applications of fish byproducts to other companies in the fish supply chain. These applications include compost, fertilizer, protein, marine collagen, leather, and other high-value products.
The Great Lakes region is home to growing aquaculture operations and sizeable commercial fisheries. However, only about 40% of each fish is typically consumed, with the remaining 60% often discarded or used for inexpensive purposes. The initiative seeks to change this by finding new uses for the entire fish.
Iceland pioneered the approach of fully utilizing fish, significantly increasing the value of products derived from each cod, from $12 for just the fillet to $5,000 for various products, including cosmetics and nutritional supplements.
Marvin Simons, owner of Huron Tackle, emphasized the benefits of repurposing fish waste, stating, “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.”
With Huron Tackle’s commitment to the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge, the company aims to contribute to sustainable practices and economic growth in the region by fully utilizing fish resources.