At RS Standards, we are committed to finding innovative solutions for marine sustainability and ecosystem management. Our recent partnership with Poseidon, commissioned by
Natural England, explored the potential of using fish offal to enhance food availability for UK seabirds. This report, published in September 2024, provides valuable insights into the
feasibility, effectiveness, and ecological impact of at-sea fish offal as a supplementary feeding source for seabird populations.

The UK fishing industry catches over 350,000 tonnes of seafood annually, with a portion of this processed at sea. As a result, a significant amount of offal (the internal organs removed
during fish gutting) is produced and typically discarded. However, this by-product presents a unique opportunity to support seabirds, particularly species facing food shortages due to
environmental changes. The idea is simple: by provisioning seabirds with fish offal, we can potentially improve their survival and breeding success.

Key Findings

The Scope and Potential of At-Sea Offal The study revealed that an estimated 28,000 tonnes of offal are produced at sea each year across UK waters. Notably, around 10,641 tonnes of this comes from the Northern North Sea, primarily from larger vessels (over 10 metres in length) targeting demersal finfish species such as cod and haddock.

One of the most compelling aspects of the report is a case study focusing on the black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) at the Flamborough and Filey Coast Special Protection
Area. This seabird species has experienced population declines, and ensuring food availability during key periods like the breeding season is crucial for its survival. The case study suggests that delivering consistent amounts of fish offal could be a viable method to support kittiwake populations. However, this would require a system to aggregate offal from
multiple fishing vessels, either at sea or in port, potentially through a dedicated collection vessel.

Navigating the Challenges

While the ecological potential is evident, there are several challenges to address before this approach can be implemented at scale. For fishers, the primary hurdle is ensuring that there
are sufficient incentives to retain and land offal, rather than discarding it at sea. The costs associated with separating offal from the catch to maintain the quality of fish for market, as
well as the logistical challenges, need to be considered. One potential solution is to model this system on the current market for fish bait, where offal is already retained and sold.
In addition to the financial and logistical factors, we must also consider the regulatory landscape. Current UK regulations allow for the disposal of offal at sea without a marine licence, but using offal specifically to provision seabirds may require adjustments to marine licensing and animal by-product regulations. As the UK continues to navigate post-Brexit legislative changes, there may be opportunities to address these barriers and create a framework that supports this initiative.

A Collaborative Path Forward

At RS Standards, we believe that sustainable solutions arise from collaboration and innovation. This research is a prime example of how industry, conservation, and science can work together to address pressing ecological challenges. By repurposing fish offal – a by- product that is often discarded – we have the potential to create a new resource for seabird
conservation. However, to make this vision a reality, we must continue to work closely with fishers, policymakers, and conservation groups to develop the necessary incentives, logistical frameworks, and regulatory support. This project is just the beginning. The findings from our report open the door to further research and action, helping us better understand how to balance the needs of marine wildlife with sustainable fishing practices. By building on this foundation, we can create lasting, positive impacts on both the fishing industry and seabird populations.

 We are excited to be at the forefront of this vital research and look forward to continuing our work to support the health of our marine ecosystems.

Back To News