In a significant step towards sustainability, Munising’s VanLandschoot & Sons Fish Market has joined an international movement, the “100 percent Great Lakes Fish Pledge,” aiming to revolutionize the seafood industry. This commitment, facilitated by the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), mandates the complete use of every Great Lakes fish caught commercially by 2025.

Drawing inspiration from Iceland’s successful utilization of 90 percent of its cod catch, this initiative encourages participants to find innovative uses for fish byproducts, potentially escalating a fish’s market value exponentially. While current practices often waste 60 percent of a catch, comprehensive utilization could increase a single whitefish’s worth from $12 to $4,000.

VanLandschoot is among 14 companies redirecting industry standards towards eco-friendly and profitable alternatives, such as transforming fish remnants into valuable commodities like marine collagen or protein. This initiative highlights a shift towards sustainable fishing practices and economic wisdom in the Great Lakes region.

“As a fifth-generation family business and the oldest commercial fisher on Lake Superior, we recognize the integral role we play in the community,” said Dennis VanLandschoot, President, VanLandschoot & Sons Fish Market. “Our fish feeds tens of thousands of locals and tourists alike, and we look forward to developing new ways to use 100 percent of our fish in order to share the bounty of Lake Superior with the world.”

For involvement inquiries, John Schmidt of GSGP serves as the point of contact. Additional details are available on the GSGP’s website, inviting further company participation in this ecological and financial venture.