Increased capacity and business opportunities for the processing of underutilized fish species through innovative waste management and pollution prevention

The decline in the supply of traditional fish species in the Northeast and the onset of new federal regulations have compelled the Rhode Island fishing industry to diversify efforts which target underutilized species such as squid and several types of finfish including mackerel and herring. Processing of these fish types, especially squid, creates more waste than before and hence prevents the fish processors to operate optimally because of the discharge of excessively high BOD into the local sewer system. Funds for this project were requested for (1) new equipment to allow for business expansion, employment growth, and environmental compliance, (2) the adoption of new processing techniques, (3) and the exploration of new business opportunities for materials which were formerly discarded as waste. Grant no. NA56FK0092