Transforming Fish Waste for Economic and Environmental Gains
Inam Akhtar Hussain & Rubina Yasmin
Abstract:
India is a global leader in fish production, with fisheries contributing 1.07% to the national GDP and supporting livelihoods for over 28 million people. However, 30–50% of fish biomass is discarded as processing waste, creating environmental and public health challenges. Recent advancements in biotechnology and waste management have unlocked opportunities to transform this waste into valuable products such as fish meal, fish oil, collagen, gelatin, biofertilizers, biodiesel and bioactive peptides. These innovations align with India’s Swachh Bharat Mission and circular economy principles while supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to responsible consumption, climate action and economic growth. Fish waste-derived products offer diverse applications across industries. Fish meal and oil serve as nutrient-rich inputs for aquaculture and agriculture, while collagen and gelatin find use in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Biofertilizers enhance soil health and crop yields and biodiesel production from fish oil contributes to renewable energy solutions. Additionally, bioactive peptides and enzymes extracted from fish waste exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial and therapeutic properties. Despite these opportunities, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, informal waste disposal practices and limited awareness among small-scale fishers hinder widespread adoption. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and research efforts by institutions such as ICAR-CIFT are driving progress in fish waste valorization. Successful case studies demonstrate the economic viability of converting waste into wealth, creating income opportunities for coastal communities and reducing environmental pollution. To fully realize this potential, scaling up technologies, strengthening policy frameworks and fostering stakeholder collaboration are essential. By integrating sustainable waste management practices, India can position itself as a leader in fisheries-based circular economies, promoting both environmental conservation and socio-economic development.