Creating a Sustainable Cycle: How Get Hooked is Using Fish Waste to Enrich Local Soil

Rather than letting fish scraps go to waste, we’ve found a way to turn them into something beneficial — a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can enrich the soil and support local farming operations. By repurposing fish scraps, we're closing the loop in our supply chain and contributing to healthier soil, healthier plants, and healthier food on your plate.

The Regenerative Power of Fish Waste

For years, fish waste has been a byproduct of the seafood industry that often ends up in landfills or as waste. We learned the basics of how to transform fish scraps to fertilizer from our friend Jesse Smith and White Buffalo Land Trust. Then we partnered with Ganna Walska Lotusland to trial our fertilizer at scale.

We’ve worked with experts to develop a hydrolysate fertilizer made from local, sustainable fish and kelp waste. The process involves grinding up the fish waste to create a highly effective fertilizer that contains a full spectrum of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a wide variety of trace minerals. All the vital components for promoting healthy plant growth and physiological functions.

This innovation is a key part of the sustainable cycle we’re working to create. By repurposing fish waste, we’re helping to nourish the soil in local gardens and farming operations while keeping valuable resources from ending up in the waste stream.

Why It Matters: Supporting Local Farming and Reducing Waste

The use of fish waste as fertilizer is not just about reducing waste; it’s about creating a circular economy.  By providing farmers and gardeners with a natural, sustainable fertilizer, we’re aiming to contribute to healthier crops, stronger soil, and better farming practices.

This initiative is especially important as more and more people look to grow their own food and support local farming. As we all become more mindful of where our food comes from, using locally sourced, eco-friendly fertilizers can play a big role in promoting sustainable agriculture.

Sustainability at Every Step

The work we’re doing with fish waste goes beyond just the fertilizers we produce. It’s about ensuring that every aspect of our operations supports a healthier ecosystem. From sustainable fishing practices that protect our oceans to partnering with local businesses to create circular systems, we’re committed to doing our part.

Using fish waste in this way is an important step in building a regenerative business model, where we maximize the value of every resource and minimize waste. This also aligns with our goal of supporting sustainable seafood practices that ensure the future of our oceans and local communities.

The Road Ahead: Expanding Our Impact

We’re excited to continue working with local partners to grow this initiative. Our long-term goal is to expand the use of our fish-based fertilizers to help more gardens and farms thrive. By using sustainable ingredients that come directly from our operations, we’re ensuring that our impact on the environment is positive and long-lasting.

We also hope that this effort inspires others in the food industry to consider how they can reduce waste and create value from byproducts. From fish waste to food scraps, there’s an opportunity to turn what was once considered waste into something that can benefit the earth and local communities.

How You Can Help

By choosing sustainable seafood and supporting companies like Get Hooked, you’re helping to create a more circular economy and promoting environmentally responsible practices. Together, we can all be part of a movement that reduces waste, supports local communities, and helps our planet thrive.