The End of the "Throwaway" Fishery: Why By-product Dumping is Becoming a Thing of the Past
For decades, the standard operating procedure for much of the global fishing industry was simple: keep the high-value meat and discard the rest. Millions of tonnes of fish heads, guts, skins, and shells were either shoveled back into the ocean or hauled off to local landfills. It was a "linear" approach to a biological resource—one that viewed anything other than a fillet as a liability rather than an asset.
However, a profound shift is underway. Across Atlantic Canada and the world, the practice of dumping seafood by-products is rapidly moving from "commonplace" to "prohibited." Driven by a combination of strict environmental regulations, a better understanding of marine ecology, and the economic lure of the circular economy, the industry is undergoing a "zero-waste" revolution.
The Hidden Cost of the "Deep Freeze"
To the casual observer, dumping fish guts back into the ocean might seem harmless—after all, it’s organic matter returning to the sea. But in reality, large-scale industrial dumping creates a "localized overload."
When tonnes of organic waste settle on the seabed, they decompose. This process consumes massive amounts of dissolved oxygen, creating hypoxic "dead zones" where native species can no longer survive. Furthermore, concentrated dumping can alter the behavior of marine predators, attract invasive species, and introduce pathogens into sensitive ecosystems.
On land, the story is just as grim. Fish waste in landfills is a significant source of methane, a greenhouse gas at least 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. As these organic materials rot in anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments, they contribute directly to climate change while producing "leachate"—a toxic liquid that can seep into groundwater.
A New Era of Regulation: From Permission to Prohibition
Governments are no longer leaving it to chance. In Canada, the regulatory landscape has tightened significantly, making traditional disposal methods increasingly difficult, expensive, or flat-out illegal.
The Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA): Under CEPA, "disposal at sea" is strictly controlled. Gone are the days of unregulated dumping. Today, industrial fish processors must apply for specific permits that are only granted if there is no "environmentally preferable and practical alternative." If a company can recycle or upcycle their waste, the law increasingly mandates that they do so.
The Fisheries Act: Subsection 36(3) of the Fisheries Act is a powerful tool for conservation. It prohibits the deposit of "deleterious substances" into waters frequented by fish. Because concentrated fish waste can degrade water quality to the point of being harmful, it often falls under this prohibition.
Landfill Bans: Many municipalities across Atlantic Canada have begun implementing organic waste bans. Processing plants are being told that their by-products are no longer welcome at the local dump, forcing them to find innovative ways to divert this material.
The Economic Pivot: Turning Trash into "Blue Gold"
The "stick" of regulation is being met by the "carrot" of economic opportunity. As dumping becomes prohibited, the industry has realized that these by-products are actually packed with high-value molecules.
We are moving away from disposal costs and toward revenue streams. A tonne of cod heads, once a cost to transport to a landfill, can now be processed into high-protein fish meal or specialty oils. Crab shells, once a nuisance, are being refined into chitosan—a biopolymer used in the pharmaceutical industry that sells for a premium far higher than the meat of the crab itself.
Closing the Loop
The transition away from dumping is a monumental task. It requires new infrastructure, such as "bio-refineries" located near landing ports, and a change in the mindset of harvesters and processors. But the results are undeniable:
Lower Carbon Footprint: By diverting waste from landfills, we reduce methane emissions.
Ecosystem Protection: Cleaner waters mean healthier fish stocks and more resilient coastal communities.
Job Creation: The upcycling industry requires scientists, technicians, and logistics experts, creating a new "Blue Economy" workforce.
The era of the "throwaway" fishery is ending. In its place, Atlantic Canada is building a system that respects the ocean not just for what it gives us, but for the inherent value in every scale, bone, and shell it produces.