Sealord’s Commitment to Sustainable Fish Utilisation
Sealord is dedicated to achieving 100% utilisation of fish resources. The company’s business development team is actively working to create innovative products from fish by-products, underlining their commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible seafood harvesting.
In a significant boost to their initiatives, Sealord secured over $2 million from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in New Zealand last year, through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund. This funding will support the company in developing and launching environmentally friendly products, including garden fertiliser and pet food made from fish waste.
Maximising Value and Reducing Waste
Stu Yorston, Sealord’s General Manager of Sustainability, emphasizes the importance of maximising value from fish by-products while minimizing waste. “This work directly supports our broader goal of fostering growth in the seafood sector in an environmentally responsible and commercially viable manner,” he explains.
Introducing NAKED Organic Fertiliser
The first product arising from a four-year Fish Waste Optimisation agreement with MPI is NAKED Organic Fertiliser, which consists of fishmeal enriched with seaweed. According to recent trials, NAKED has demonstrated an ability to enhance plant growth significantly, yielding healthier plants with stronger roots compared to comparable products. You can read more about its launch in a recent article on Stuff.co.nz: Fish waste to help gardens grow | The Press.
NAKED is now available for purchase both online and in major retail outlets like Mitre 10 and The Warehouse. The team is also exploring commercial applications for the fertiliser, with plans to extend distribution not only in New Zealand but also into Australia.
Future Innovations in Pet Food
Looking ahead, Sealord is set to introduce a premium 100% fish pet food brand called Skipper in Asia by 2026. This will initially target the burgeoning pet food markets in South Korea and Taiwan. The Skipper range will include various products such as premium air-dried kibble, which retains moisture and packs higher protein than conventionally dried pet food, alongside a freeze-dried whole fish range. The launch of these products will take place in phases.
Yorston reiterates the rationale behind developing new consumer goods from fish by-products. “We already utilise over 99% of the fish we harvest, with the primary by-product (post-filleting) being fish meal. However, these new initiatives will lead to improved yields and increased market prices,” he notes.
A Commitment to Sustainability
New Zealand’s deepwater fisheries offer a rich and pristine source of seafood loaded with essential nutrients. “Sustainability is fundamental to our operations, and these innovative projects exemplify how we are advancing our goals in this vital area,” says Yorston.
Image: Sealord launched Naked fertiliser in late 2024, featuring (from left) Business Development and Sustainability GM Stu Yorston, By-products Supervisor Graeme Blincoe, Business Development Manager Danny Sheridan, and Innovation Manager Daniela Stringer.
For more information, visit the Sealord official website.
