Oregon Ocean Cluster

100% FISH & MARICULTURE

100% Fish is a global sustainability and economic movement in the seafood industry that aims to use every single part of a caught or farmed fish.

In Oregon, we are working to elevate the dollar value of every fish by looking at new products and income streams that could be generated from our seafood. Our 5-Year North Star for our 100% Fish & Mariculture initiative is to spur the creation of 10 new products that utilize seafood by-products or processing “waste.”

THE 100% FISH STORY

Roughly 40% to 70% of a fish is typically discarded as "waste" (heads, bones, skin) in Western processing. But what if we could use more? What if each fish could go further, circulating more money into our local economy? 

The Oregon Ocean Cluster is looking to Iceland, who took a cod worth $12 and made it worth $5,000. They did that through systematically encouraging innovation in the seafood and tech sectors. Paired with a national spirit of innovation, they have been able to bring together 70+ companies to maximize the value of every fish landed.

THE 100% FISH VALUE PYRAMID

Following Iceland's lead, the 100% Fish Value Pyramid shifts regional seafood economies from low-value bulk disposal (like fertilizer and animal feed) to mid-value nutrition (such as Omega-3s and collagen), and ultimately to peak-value biotech and fashion (like medical skin grafts and luxury leather).

By adopting this blueprint, we can transform Oregon’s local catch into diversified, high-value products that maximize local economic impact.

100% FISH & MARICULTURE IN OREGON

the momentum so far

  • In 2025, the Oregon Ocean Cluster hosted the first Blue Foods Forum. The event began as a way to test the waters of interest for 100% Fish and Blue economy innovation in the region.

    The message was clear: Oregon wanted more of this. That first spark led to Local Ocean launching Oregon’s first dedicated 100% Fish product line and hiring a first-of-its-kind 100% Fish Innovation Coordinator. We moved from 'what if' to 'what’s next' in under twelve months.

    In 2026, the event was sold out at an increase of 65%. Over 450 people attended events across two days. Workshops throughout the day covered big-picture vision, on-the ground collaborations, infrastructure, and policy discussions. 

  • Alongside the Blue Foods Forum, we hosted the first ever Blue Table investors event, in partnership with the Iceland Ocean Cluster and Blue Nova Ventures. This intimate dinner brought together start ups and investors in an informal setting to cross-pollinate and start conversations that will open doors to blue foods innovation. 

    The Blue Table was replicated this Spring at the Iceland Ocean Cluster during innovation week – and Oregon was there to witness it. 

    OSU's Seafood Lab  landed a grant to take a team of research scientists to Iceland to learn more about 100% Fish. Excitement for the trip spread to other industry partners. A diverse set of industries and perspectives came together for this learning experience at the Iceland Ocean Cluster House, and at their 100% Fish businesses.

  • Our legislative working session resulted in the passing of Senate Bill 1525, which creates a bipartisan Blue Economy Task Force to study and create a structure to inventory existing efforts, identify gaps and overlaps, learn from other states and nations, and deliver a roadmap for Oregon’s Blue Economy.

    This win built on the success of HB3410, which stood up a wave of local seafood initiatives, including the expansion of three non-profit coastal food hubs.

  • The momentum around 100% utilization is building. As of Spring 2026, we have received: 

    • $1,190,000 via HB 3410 to provide technical assistance and establish shared-use infrastructure

    • $735,200 via USDA Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) to focus on market and product development, and intermediary supply chain expansion

    • $449,850 via Builders Vision Philanthropy: value chain coordination, community programming, and support for 100% Fish education and outreach efforts 

    • $100,000 via Business Oregon for developing a 100% Fish & Mariculture Prioritization Framework

  • There are 17+ businesses working on 25+ unique 100% utilization and value added products in Oregon:products ranging from fertilizers and pet treats, to fish leather, even a seawater desalination facility. We have invested in many of these companies at various stages of development.

    Today, we are developing a 100% Fish and Mariculture Decision-Making Matrix and collecting the data needed to understand how best to allocate investments across the emerging 100% fish economy.

Learn more: