100% Great Lakes Fish

Abstract

In the Great Lakes region, roughly 18 million pounds of fish is wasted annually. We completed the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum last year with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP) with the objective of identifying several commercially viable products that could maximize utilization of the regions’ fish byproducts and be suitable for small-scale manufacturing within 6-to 18-months. Our analysis included 10 in-depth stakeholder interviews and a comprehensive market analysis of 18 potential products where we found pet treats, culinary collaborations, and fish leather goods to be the most promising opportunities. Since the conclusion of the project a year ago, GPSG and the Great Lakes region have made notable progress surrounding these three products, though to further advance their goals, we recommend GSGP gain buy-in from waste buyers, expand their focus to include invasive species, create a virtual marketplace for fish byproducts, and develop an environmental justice framework.