Squid Inc.: Unlocking the Potential of Underutilized Marine Byproducts (Eco-E)

Global fisheries and aquaculture production reached a record 223 million tonnes in 2022, with the FAO projecting a 10% increase by 2032 – signaling rapid industry growth and an urgent need to manage the environmental impacts of production. These marine industries generate substantial organic waste that is often discarded into the ocean or sent to landfills, contributing to methane emissions, eutrophication, and missed opportunities for circularity. Market squid presents a unique opportunity for waste recovery. In California – particularly concentrated in Ventura – it is the state’s largest fishery by both weight and value. During offloading, squid processing produces a significant amount of nutrient-rich “stickwater,” which is reloaded onto boats and dumped offshore. Other marine industries, such as urchin and kelp, also generate large quantities of biological waste that are typically sent to landfills, representing untapped potential for circular solutions.

This project explores the potential to repurpose marine waste streams into sustainable, non-synthetic fertilizers or soil amendments for home gardeners and small-scale agriculture. We will identify and map waste flows, analyze nutrient composition, and engage with stakeholders across the value chain to assess feasibility. If nutrient extraction proves viable, we aim to develop a West Coast fertilizer product or a nutrient-rich concentrate that can be incorporated into existing products.

Our initial business model centers on capturing and diverting marine waste before it is discarded, thus reducing environmental harm while creating a locally sourced, value-added product. We will explore potential nutrient recovery methods such as enzymatic hydrolysis or other biowaste treatment techniques to extract and stabilize useful compounds. This project aims to evaluate whether these extracted nutrients can be formulated into a product that performs well and meets the needs of organic gardeners.