The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP) announced that it has made significant progress in its mission to end the practice of landfilling fish waste generated by the region’s commercial fishing industry.
GSGP, which represents the Canadian premiers of Ontario and Quebec as well as governors from U.S. states bordering the Great Lakes, said that 44 companies have now signed the Governors’ and Premiers’ 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge, a commitment by fish farmers and processors to use all parts of their fish. According to GSGP, the companies collectively produce over 30 million pounds of fish annually, accounting for approximately 90 percent of the Great Lakes commercial catch by volume.
“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,” Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers Executive Director David Naftzger said in a statement. “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. We are excited to build on our momentum in 2026 by expanding the Pledge and productively using more raw material across the region.”
According to GSGP, about 60 percent of the fish harvested annually in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence is either thrown away or underused.
Modeled after a similar program launched by the Iceland Ocean Cluster, the GSGP 100% fish initiative aims to reduce byproduct waste generated by commercially caught fish in the Great Lakes region, home to a sizable commercial fishery and a growing aquaculture sector. The initiative is also working to identify new, high value uses for fish byproduct, such as fish leather, meal, and oil to help increase revenue and spur economic development in the region.
“Healthy, well-managed fisheries are the foundation of the Great Lakes fishery, and maximizing the value of each fish complements that work,” Great Lakes Fishery Commission Executive Director Marc Gaden said in a release. “Seeing industry leaders commit to full utilization is an encouraging example of how sustainability and economic opportunity can move forward together.”
In 2026, GSGP said it will continue to encourage companies to join the pledge, with a goal of reaching 100 percent participation. The organization also said it plans to expand work with local aquaculture firms and fish cleaning stations to develop processing pathways to convert waste into new products.
