Japan expands use of unutilized fish to combat fishery declines

Japanese companies and regional governments are increasingly focusing on the utilization of ‘unutilized fish’—species that are often discarded or overlooked due to size, shape, or lack of market demand—to address fishery declines and ecological issues.

Oisix has collaborated with Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology to develop fish kebab sandwich sets using Marusou dagatsuo, a species that loses freshness quickly. Meanwhile, the startup Ocean Repair is converting invasive species like Isuzumi and Aigo, which damage seaweed beds, into high-protein dog food.

In Ibaraki Prefecture, Benners Co., Ltd. is partnering with local authorities to transform invasive American catfish in Lake Kasumigaura into a new food resource. Through its subscription service ‘Fishul!’, the company will offer processed catfish products designed for easy home cooking, aiming to create market value for species previously viewed only as pests.