July 2, 2025 - Fishermen still waiting for new markets to sell their whitefish waste

Commercial fisheries across the Great Lakes face serious challenges due to a steep decline in whitefish populations. While whitefish catches exceeded 7.5 million pounds in the 1990s, recent data shows catches have dropped below 2 million pounds annually. In response, initiatives like the 100% Great Lakes Fish Initiative are working to support fisheries by creating new markets for typically discarded fish parts, like skin and scales, transforming them into value-added products like dog treats and cosmetics.

Read the full story, including an interview with GSGP Program Manager John Schmidt, at WCMU Public Media.