Oregon Ocean Cluster in Action (Copy)
collaboration in action
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collaboration in action 〰️
A lot has happened since the 2025 Blue Foods Forum.
From big picture policy and circular economics, to creative on-the-ground projects and cutting-edge research, Oregon is coming together not only for the future of our coastal food systems, but for the resilience of our entire economy.
Leading up to the second annual event (the Seafaring Speakeasy and Blue Foods Forum Symposium, February 1-2 in Portland), we’re highlighting projects that took shape through last year’s conversations — and are now moving from idea to impact.
Nothing Wasted: How Reclaim Cooperative’s Fish Leather Is Expanding Oregon’s Blue Economy
Since the 2025 Blue Foods Forum, momentum has beeb building for 100% fish utilization in Oregon. Few examples capture that progress more clearly than the launch of Reclaim Cooperative, an artisanal fish leather tannery. Based near Philomath, Reclaim Cooperative is transforming what has traditionally been considered waste into durable, beautiful materials. Fish skins that once had little economic value are now being tanned, softened, and crafted into functional goods that tell a much bigger story about Oregon seafood, innovation, and collaboration.
From waste stream to value stream
A resilient blue economy depends on using the whole fish. That means creating markets and pathways for heads, bones, skins, and trimmings alongside fillets and loins. Fish leather is an example of how creative thinking can extend the value of every landing while reducing waste and supporting coastal and rural economies.
Reclaim Cooperative sources Pacific lingcod skins from seafood partners such as Local Ocean Seafoods and Tre Fin, and applies traditional vegetable tanning methods using oak bark. The result is a strong, flexible leather with a distinct texture.
Connections that spark innovation
Reclaim’s origin story is also a story of connection. The founders met colleagues and collaborators through the Blue Foods Forum, and those early conversations turned into active collaborations. Reclaim is working alongside Central Coast Food Web, Oregon’s first seafood hub based in Newport, to explore new concepts that strengthen local processing, aggregation, and distribution while keeping more value in coastal communities.
Products with a story
In addition to bookmarks, bracelets, and stickers, Reclaim Cooperative is continuing to explore new forms and functions for fish leather. Their fish skin leather hairband highlights the material’s strength and flexibility in a wearable, elevated design. These products make a thoughtful gift for fishermen, nature lovers, and anyone who appreciates objects with a story. As they put it best, it is a little weird, a little odd, and proudly Made in Oregon.
For makers and designers interested in working directly with the material, Reclaim also sells whole tanned fish skins. These pieces of finished fish leather are sold as raw material, ready to be cut, shaped, and transformed into new products.
Why this matters
Fish upcycling businesses like Reclaim Cooperative are not a novelty — they are a critical piece of the future seafood economy. By finding value in every part of the fish, we reduce waste, diversify income streams for processors and fishermen, and create new opportunities for rural manufacturing and design.
This work aligns directly with the Oregon Ocean Cluster’s mission to accelerate innovation in the blue economy while supporting sustainable fisheries, working waterfronts, and climate resilient food systems. It also reflects the spirit of Winter Waters, where conversations around seaweed, seafood, and systems thinking continue to spark real world solutions.'
Join the conversation
The next Blue Foods Forum will take place in Portland on February 1 and 2, 2026, bringing together leaders and innovators from across the seafood system. If you are interested in full utilization, value added seafood products, and collaborative approaches to the blue economy, this is a space for you.
Learn more about the forum and other Winter Waters events at winterwaterspnw.com. To support fish upcycling directly, explore Reclaim Cooperative’s products at reclaimcoop.com.
WHERE WE’RE HEADED
Projects like this are a testament to the creativity, passion, and ingenuity of our region.
The people who work inside this ecosystem know that it is endlessly diverse, touching every sector of our economy: fishing and farming, tourism, technology, art, procurement, distribution, education, healthcare, and so much more. All these sectors are colliding in a pivotal point in the Blue Foods movement, and momentum is on our side. Now is the time to forge strong partnerships that strengthen our local food systems.
By meeting ahead of the year’s growing and harvesting season, the Blue Foods Forum gives investors and businesses an opportunity to dream big, and take action for the future of Oregon's food future.
Make sure you are in the room.
Register for the Seafaring Speakeasy here.
Register for the Blue Foods Symposium here.
