Ontario aquaculture producer joins international effort that seeks to use 100% of each fish

Ontario aquaculture producer joins international effort that seeks to use 100% of each fish   

Springhills Fish is 34th company to join the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge that aims to prevent waste and promote the sustainable use of fish

(Hanover, ON) – Springhills Fish, which delivers local fish to more than 1,500 homes every month, has signed the “100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge,” publicly committing to use 100% of each fish it raises by 2025. The growing, family-run business has facilities in Hanover, Ontario, and also partners with Sheshegwaning First Nation for a fish farm on Manitoulin Island.

As part of the pledge, the company will also help communicate to other companies in the fish supply chain about opportunities for innovative applications for fish byproducts, including compost, fertilizer, protein, marine collagen, leather, or other new, high-value products.

Thirty-four companies across North America have signed the pledge. It is part of the 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative created by the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), an organization representing the Governors of the Great Lakes States and the Canadian Premiers of Ontario and Québec.

“Springhills Fish is a leader in sustainability and a unique part of the fish economy in our region,” said David Naftzger, Executive Director of GSGP. “Their participation strengthens our 100% fish collaboration.”

The Great Lakes region is home to sizable commercial fisheries and growing aquaculture operations, but only the fillets of these fish are usually eaten. In contrast, the remaining 60% of the fish is often relegated to inexpensive uses or discarded. The 100% Great Lakes Fish initiative seeks new and innovative ways to use all of each fish to reduce waste, create more value and jobs, and support rural economic development. Iceland pioneered this approach and has seen the value of products made from each cod skyrocket from $12 for just the filet to a remarkable $5,000 for products including cosmetics, medical bandages, nutritional supplements, and a range of other products.

Springhills Fish became the first land-based farms in central Canada to get certified by the Best Aquaculture Practices program, and is now also recommended by Ocean Wise. The company delivers local fish to homes across Ontario. It also sells into grocery retailers big and small, and has expanded with smoked fish and other fishy products.

“At Springhills Fish, we believe that sustainability means more than just reducing waste—it’s about unlocking the full potential of every fish we raise,” said RJ Taylor, co-owner of Springhills Fish. “We’re thrilled that the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge recognizes the vital role of aquaculture in this initiative. This pledge reflects our core values, and we’re excited to lead by example in fostering a sustainable, circular fish economy in Ontario and beyond.”

More information on 100% Great Lakes Fish, including a copy of the Pledge, is available at https://gsgp.org/projects/100-great-lakes-fish/.  The 34 companies participating in the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge include:

Read the pledge here.

Full Press Release can be downloaded here.