Journal of Fisheries & Livestock Production
Open Access

Waste generation; Waste mitigation; Fisheries waste; Livestock waste; Sustainable practices; Circular economy; Bycatch reduction; Manure management; Resource recovery; Waste-to-energy; Environmental impact; Global practices; Comparative study.

Introduction

The fisheries and livestock sectors are integral to global food security and economic development. However, they are also significant contributors to environmental waste, which poses challenges for sustainable development. This study provides a comparative analysis of waste generation and mitigation practices in these sectors across various regions, highlighting innovative approaches and identifying areas for improvement [1].

Waste Generation in Fisheries

The global demand for seafood has led to increased fish processing activities, resulting in substantial quantities of waste. Notably, 20% to 70% of a processed fish's weight is discarded as waste, encompassing bycatch, offal, and processing residues. In 2016, with an estimated fish production of 73 million tons, the corresponding waste generated ranged between 52 and 80 million tons.

Waste Generation in Livestock

Similarly, livestock production yields considerable waste, including manure, urine, and slaughterhouse byproducts. For instance, in 2018, over 3 billion livestock were consumed worldwide, generating vast amounts of bio waste the management of these wastes is crucial, as improper handling can lead to environmental pollution and health risks [2].

Mitigation Strategies

Byproduct Utilization: Transforming fish waste into valuable products such as fertilizers, animal feed, and biofuels can significantly reduce waste and promote sustainability.

Improved Post-Harvest Practices: Enhancing handling, storage, and processing techniques can minimize fish loss and waste, thereby improving efficiency and sustainability [3].

Livestock Sector

Manure Management: Implementing effective manure management practices, such as composting and anaerobic digestion, can mitigate environmental impacts and generate renewable energy sources.

Sustainable Production Systems: Adopting integrated livestock production systems that emphasize resource efficiency and waste reduction can enhance environmental sustainability [4].

Global Perspectives

Different regions have implemented various waste management practices based on local contexts:

Jamaica: Addressing significant food waste by diverting it into animal feed, thereby improving livestock nutrition and reducing environmental impact.

Discussion

The growing global demand for fish and livestock products has led to significant waste generation in these sectors. This waste, if not properly managed, poses considerable environmental and public health risks, including water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity loss. This comparative study of global practices highlights both the common challenges and the innovative solutions being adopted to mitigate waste generation in fisheries and livestock production [5].

Fisheries Sector

Waste generation in the fisheries sector primarily stems from bycatch, processing discards, and spoilage due to poor handling practices. The study reveals that many regions, especially those with high fish production, face challenges in minimizing these losses [6]. Countries with well-developed waste management frameworks, such as Norway and Iceland, have successfully adopted circular economy principles, turning fish waste into high-value products like fish oil, animal feed, and biofuels. This transformation not only reduces waste but also provides economic benefits to the sector. In contrast, developing regions often struggle with inadequate infrastructure and technology, leading to higher levels of waste. However, innovative grassroots solutions, such as community-led post-harvest management programs, are showing promise. Improving cold chain logistics and fish processing methods in these regions could drastically reduce spoilage and waste. Furthermore, public policies promoting sustainable fisheries management, such as bycatch reduction technologies, are proving to be effective in regions like Australia and the European Union, where regulatory frameworks are stronger [7].

Livestock Sector

Livestock production generates vast amounts of waste, including manure, urine, and byproducts from slaughterhouses. Poor waste management practices can result in nutrient runoff, water pollution, and the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This study finds that countries with advanced agricultural sectors, such as the United States and Germany, are leading the way in manure management through the use of anaerobic digestion, which converts waste into biogas for energy generation [8]. Additionally, these countries have adopted precision livestock farming techniques to optimize feed efficiency, thereby reducing waste at the source. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, traditional livestock farming methods still dominate, often leading to unsustainable waste practices. The lack of access to modern technologies for waste processing and resource recovery poses significant challenges. Introducing scalable manure management technologies, along with capacity-building initiatives for farmers, could help address these issues.

Comparative Insights and Global Practices

Across both sectors, there are notable differences in waste management practices based on economic, technological, and regulatory contexts. High-income countries tend to have more sophisticated waste reduction technologies and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, which contribute to more sustainable practices. Conversely, low- and middle-income countries often rely on local, innovative approaches to waste mitigation, though they face challenges such as insufficient funding and technical expertise. A key insight from this study is the importance of public policy and international cooperation in shaping sustainable waste management strategies. Countries that have integrated waste management into their national environmental and agricultural policies are seeing more success in reducing waste generation. For instance, the European Union’s commitment to reducing food and agricultural waste by 50% by 2030 serves as a model for global sustainability efforts [9].

Looking ahead, global efforts should focus on scaling up successful waste mitigation strategies while addressing the gaps in technology and infrastructure, particularly in developing regions. Investments in research and development for eco-friendly waste reduction technologies, such as bioconversion of organic waste into valuable products, will be critical. Additionally, fostering international collaborations and knowledge sharing between countries with advanced waste management systems and those still developing these capabilities will enhance global sustainability efforts. Moreover, the role of consumers and the private sector in driving demand for sustainably produced fish and livestock products cannot be overlooked. By promoting awareness and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices across the supply chain, it is possible to significantly reduce waste generation and promote more sustainable fisheries and livestock industries [10].

Conclusion

The comparative analysis of global waste generation and mitigation practices in the fisheries and livestock sectors highlights the urgent need for coordinated action. While innovative technologies and policies are driving positive change in many regions, there is still much work to be done, particularly in developing countries. By adopting a combination of regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, and community-based initiatives, the fisheries and livestock sectors can make significant strides toward achieving global sustainability goals.

1. Surtida AP (2000)Middlemen: the most maligned players in the fish distribution channel.

Google Scholar,Indexed at

2. Rajeev M, Nagendran P (2019)Should They Avoid the Middlemen? an Analysis of Fish Processing Firms in India. Institute for Social and Economic Change.

Google Scholar,Indexed at

3. Bjorndal T, Fernandez-Polanco J, Lappo A, Lem A (2014)Consumer trends and prefences in the demand for food. SNF Working Paper 17/14.

Google Scholar

4. Petetin L (2020)The COVID-19 crisis: an opportunity to integrate food democracy into post-pandemic food systems.Euro J Risk Reg11: 326-336.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at

5. Hamilton ND (2011)Moving toward food democracy: Better food, new farmers, and the myth of feeding the world.Drake J Agric L16: 117.

Google Scholar,Indexed at

6. Aday S, Aday MS (2020)Impact of COVID-19 on the food supply chain.Food Quality and Safety4: 167-180.

Google Scholar,Crossref

7. BBC (2020)Coronavirus: How can society thrive post-pandemic?
8. DeBroff S (2020)How COVID-19 Has Impacted Consumer Food Habits.Retrieved July 10: 2020.

Google Scholar

9. Galanakis CM (2020)The food systems in the era of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic crisis.Foods9: 523.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at

10. Rodriguez- Perez C, Molina-Montes E, Verardo V, Artacho R, García-Villanova B, et al. (2020)Changes in dietary behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak confinement in the Spanish COVIDiet study.Nutrients12: 1730.

Google Scholar,Crossref,Indexed at