Research

EcoeFISHent: collagen from fish discards – a practical & policy model

May 10, 2025

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While the valorisation of marine sidestreams is a recognized opportunity within the blue and circular economies, effective implementation requires specific data, proven methodologies, and actionable strategies that bridge research with real-world application and policy. A comprehensive review published by Dondero et al. (2025) in Marine Biotechnology details key findings from the EcoeFISHent project on fish collagen, offering a distinctive contribution that goes significantly beyond general concepts.

This research provides uniquely detailed data on discard composition (identifying 113 species) and yields from specific Mediterranean fisheries. It presents original, replicable methodologies for fish collagen extraction, demonstrates the successful establishment of sustainable territorial clusters showcasing real-world implementation, and critically, identifies existing regulatory barriers while proposing concrete policy reforms essential for widespread valorisation.

By integrating specific execution, detailed data, practical methodologies, real-world clustering, and active policy engagement, the EcoeFISHent project establishes a robust, practical, and distinctive model for transforming fisheries discards into valuable biomaterials within the blue economy framework.

Introduction

The exponential growth in global aquatic food consumption, rising from 28 million tonnes in 1961 to 158 million tonnes in 2019, has generated substantial marine sidestreams that present both environmental challenges and untapped economic opportunities (FAO, 2022). As participants in the EcoeFISHent Research Consortium through our Wiise benefit company, this review presents comprehensive findings from a groundbreaking study examining the transformation of Mediterranean fisheries discards into valuable marine collagen products.

The research by Dondero and colleagues (2025) represents a significant advancement in blue economy applications, demonstrating systematic approaches to create sustainable territorial clusters based on multi-circular economy principles. The EcoeFISHent project, funded under Horizon 2020, specifically focuses on the Liguria region’s marine resources, offering replicable methodologies for transforming fish processing waste into high-value biomaterials.

This work complements broader circular economy initiatives, including the Wasteless research project, in which our team also participates, providing a comprehensive framework for food loss and waste reduction across supply chains. The study addresses critical sustainability challenges whilst demonstrating economic viability for fishery sectors through the strategic valorisation of marine by-products, establishing a paradigm for sustainable resource management within the blue economy framework.

Methodology

Study design

The research employed a multidisciplinary approach combining biochemical analysis, environmental impact assessment, and industrial scalability studies. The primary focus was on collagen extraction from Mediterranean fisheries discards, particularly those from the Ligurian Sea.

Sample collection and processing

Fisheries discards were collected from Santa Margherita Ligure (SML) fishing fleet operations, encompassing both continental shelf (50-200m depth) and continental slope (200-800m depth) areas. A total of 113 species were classified across various taxonomic groups:

64 OS (Osteichthyes – bony fish);
17 CR (Crustacea – crabs and shrimps);
11 MO (Mollusca – cephalopods, gastropods, and nudibranchs);
6 CH (Chondrichthyes – sharks, rays, and chimeras);
6 EC (Echinodermata – starfish and sea cucumbers);
5 CN (Cnidaria – soft/hard corals and jellyfish);
3 PO (Porifera – sponges);
1 TU (Tunicata – sea squirt).

Extraction protocols

Multiple extraction methodologies were investigated, including:

acid-solubilised collagen (ASC) extraction using acetic acid (AcOH);
enzyme-solubilised collagen (ESC) extraction utilising various proteases;
deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction methods;
ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) techniques.

The extraction process encompassed:

chemical pretreatment;
collagen solubilisation;
precipitation and recovery;
formulation and characterisation.

Quality control and characterisation

Comprehensive analyses included:

proximate analysis;
amino acid composition;
solubility assessment at different pH levels;
thermal stability measurements;
molecular weight distribution;
FT-IR spectroscopic analysis;
functional properties evaluation;
microbiological safety testing.

Results

Species composition and yield

The study revealed significant variability in discard composition between fishing areas. Bony fish (OS – Osteichthyes) constituted 84% of total discard weight (288.3 kg; 2.4 kg/h), followed by sharks and rays (CH – Chondrichthyes, 26.1 kg; 0.22 kg/h). Notably, blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) represented a valuable source for both collagen and chondroitin sulphate.

Extraction efficiency

Collagen yields varied significantly based on extraction methods:

acetic acid (AcOH) extraction: 4.2% yield;
urea-lactic acid (U:LA) mixture: 5.2% yield;
urea-propanoic acid (U:PA) mixture: 5% yield.

Environmental impact assessments demonstrated that U:LA and U:PA methods reduced environmental impacts by 10-15% across all categories compared to traditional AcOH extraction.

Characterisation results

Marine collagen exhibited distinct properties compared to terrestrial sources:

lower gelation temperature (León-López et al., 2019; Jafari et al., 2020);
enhanced bioavailability (European Commission Health & Consumer Protection Directorate, 2002);
unique amino acid profiles, particularly in hydroxyproline content (Sorushanova et al., 2019);
variable bloom values dependent on species and habitat (Gaikwad & Kim, 2024);
superior water retention capabilities (Orlandi et al., 2023). Studies by Liu et al. (2022) further demonstrated that marine collagen exhibits enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability suitable for tissue engineering applications, while Bai et al. (2017) showed that deep eutectic solvent extraction methods can preserve unique molecular structures that enhance functional properties for cosmetic applications.

Applications

Nutraceutical applications

Clinical research has extensively validated the health benefits of marine collagen supplements, with numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrating significant therapeutic potential:

skin health and anti-ageing properties. Asserin et al. (2015) conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 114 women aged 45-65, demonstrating that oral supplementation with 2.5g of specific collagen peptides daily for 8 weeks significantly improved skin elasticity, particularly in older women (p<0.05). The study also revealed significant increases in skin moisture levels compared to placebo controls, with effects persisting four weeks post-supplementation;
wound healing enhancement. A systematic review by Cruz et al. (2021) analysed multiple animal experimental studies, concluding that marine collagen administration significantly accelerated wound healing processes through enhanced fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis. The review’s meta-analysis demonstrated a 23-35% reduction in healing time across various wound models when marine collagen was applied compared to standard treatments;
joint and bone health support. Two landmark clinical trials by Proksch et al. (2014) and Daneault et al. (2015) investigated collagen supplementation in joint health. The first study (n=89) demonstrated significant improvements in joint comfort scores after 12 weeks of collagen hydrolysate supplementation (10g/day), whilst the latter showed enhanced bone mineral density in postmenopausal women following 6-month supplementation protocols;
antioxidant properties. Li et al. (2022) conducted comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating that marine collagen peptides exhibit significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values ranging from 0.5-2.0 mg/mL, dependent on molecular weight. The study confirmed enhanced cellular antioxidant capacity through upregulation of SOD and catalase expression, with particular effectiveness against UV-induced oxidative stress;
cardiovascular benefits. Wang et al. (2018) investigated the cardiovascular implications of collagen peptide supplementation in a 12-week randomised controlled trial (n=72). Results indicated significant reductions in arterial stiffness parameters and blood pressure in the intervention group, with statistically significant improvements in endothelial function markers (p<0.01).

Cosmetic applications

Marine collagen demonstrated significant potential in cosmetic formulations due to:

excellent water retention properties;
film-forming capabilities;
anti-ageing properties through fibroblast stimulation;
enhanced penetration when hydrolysed;
compatibility with various delivery systems.

Bioengineering applications

Marine collagen showed promise in various biomedical applications:

tissue engineering scaffolds;
drug delivery systems;
wound dressings;
biosensor development;
3D bioprinting materials.

Packaging applications

Fish gelatin-based packaging materials offered:

excellent oxygen barrier properties
biodegradability
enhanced food preservation capabilities
potential for active packaging systems
reduced environmental impact

Discussion

The EcoeFISHent project demonstrates the viability of transforming marine sidestreams into valuable resources through systematic valorisation strategies. The research reveals that Mediterranean fisheries discards, particularly from species like blackmouth catshark, represent significant untapped resources for collagen production.

Key considerations include:

environmental sustainability. Life cycle assessments indicate that optimised extraction methods can significantly reduce environmental impacts, particularly through renewable energy utilisation;
economic viability. The volume/profit pyramid value approach shows cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications offer highest value despite requiring smaller quantities of bioactive molecules;
regulatory compliance. Implementation of GMP standards ensures safety and quality throughout the value chain. However, legal barriers within the EU continue to hinder the full valorisation of animal by-products;
scalability. Laboratory-scale findings successfully translate to pilot and semi-industrial applications.

Regulatory challenges and policy reform initiatives

A significant barrier to marine sidestream valorisation lies in current EU regulatory frameworks, particularly Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 on animal by-products (ABP), which creates administrative complexities for circular economy initiatives. As members of the EcoeFISHent consortium, our Wiise benefit team has been actively engaged in proposing policy reforms to reconcile food safety objectives with circular economy principles.

Current regulations require differentiated handling based on ABP categories (1, 2, and 3), often leading to underutilisation of valuable marine materials that could be safely processed for non-food applications. Our policy recommendations include streamlined approval procedures for established processing methods, harmonised classification systems that better reflect the actual risk profiles of marine sidestreams, and the creation of an expedited pathway for products destined for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.

The Wiise benefit team has collaborated with EU stakeholders to develop guidelines that maintain rigorous safety standards whilst reducing bureaucratic obstacles, proposing a risk-based approach that would allow for more flexible management of marine by-products when proper HACCP systems are in place.

Interim conclusions

The EcoeFISHent project conclusively demonstrates that marine sidestreams can be effectively transformed into high-value collagen products, supporting circular economy principles whilst enhancing economic returns for fishery sectors. Key outcomes include:

development of environmentally sustainable extraction methodologies;
characterisation of diverse collagen sources from Mediterranean discarded species;
establishment of multi-sectoral applications spanning cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and bioengineering;
creation of replicable territorial clusters for systematic resource valorisation;
need for regulatory framework reforms to overcome EU animal by-product legislation barriers and enable widespread implementation of marine sidestream valorisation strategies.

This research provides a comprehensive framework for transforming marine waste into valuable resources, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic development within blue economy contexts. The methodologies and findings offer practical guidance for implementing similar initiatives across different geographical regions.

Dario Dongo

References

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