Many countries and regions have realised the potential of increased utilisation and valorisation of marine biomass, which is reflected in strategies to develop the blue bioeconomy.

While the potential to expand aquaculture is large, we know that growth of wild marine biomass is limited, and we need to use what can be harvested sustainably wisely. That means maximising the product yield and utilisation and valorisation of side streams in supply chains. But what is a side stream and what makes it different from the main product of a supply chain? Quite often, side streams are defined by their economic value, which is low.

In the case of Sicilian cured tuna roe (bottarga), it is the other way around though. Bottarga has a value 5-10 times that of fresh and canned tuna loins, the main product volumes produced from yellowfin tuna, but represents a very small volume. Today it is produced from the roe pouches of yellowfin tuna caught in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans which have a low economic value, similar to that of other trimmings. Bottarga production, although producing a traditional Sicilian product, therefore represents a true example of the blue bioeconomy in which a low-value side stream is turned into a high-value product, leading both to environmental, social and economic benefits in the region where it is produced.

A scientific paper will soon be sent out for review by BlueRev partners from RISE and University of Palermo on the topic of the sustainability of side stream utilisation and valorisation in light of blue economy stragies.