The approach of using 100% of the fish aims to reduce waste and create value and jobs in the region

Ohio Aquaculture Company Joins Great Lakes Initiative to Fully Use Each Fish

UNITED STATES
Thursday, August 14, 2025, 05:30 (GMT + 9)

OceanArc Technologies commits to using all parts of its products to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

PATASKALA, OH – OceanArc Technologies, an Ohio-based aquaculture company, has signed the 100% Great Lakes Fish Pledge, becoming the 44th company to join this binational movement. The initiative's goal is to ensure that every part of the fish raised, caught, or processed in the Great Lakes region is fully utilized, thereby reducing waste.

Founded by biochemical engineer Ashtyn R. Chen, OceanArc is known for operating Ohio's first successful saltwater shrimp cultivation facility. The company has since expanded its operations to include fish farming, processing, and distribution, always with a focus on freshness, transparency, and sustainability. Their practices include raising animals without antibiotics and recycling water with natural biological systems.

By joining the pledge, OceanArc will work with other companies to promote innovative applications for fish byproducts. This includes creating new, high-value products such as compost, fertilizer, protein, marine collagen, and leather.

The initiative was created by the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP). David Naftzger, executive director of the GSGP, highlighted that "OceanArc is a great example of how smart, principled entrepreneurship can strengthen the future of regional aquaculture."

The approach of using 100% of the fish aims to reduce waste and create value and jobs in the region. Currently, only about 40% of each fish (the fillets) are used, while the remaining 60% is often discarded or used for low-value applications. This model is inspired by Iceland's success, where products derived from cod have seen their value increase from $12 per fillet to $5,000 for products including cosmetics, medical bandages, and nutritional supplements.

According to OceanArc founder Ashtyn R. Chen, the decision to join the pledge is based on the belief that "sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to doing things the right way."

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