The fisheries and marine sector plays a vital role in efforts to improve the standard of living for coastal communities. In addition to marine fish production, inland fish are also produced from pond, pool, and public water fisheries. Freshwater aquaculture includes species such as tawes, catfish, tilapia, gourami, snakehead, and carp. Brackish water aquaculture includes milkfish, tiger prawns, vannamei shrimp, mullet, snapper, white shrimp, crabs, clams, and others.
The increase in fish production is accompanied by a rise in fish waste, particularly fish skin and scales. This waste is generated not only by Fish Auction Sites (TPI) but also by small industries such as smoked fish, fish presto, shrimp paste, and salted fish producers. Currently, there are no significant efforts to process marine and fishery waste such as skin and scales into higher-value products. In response, a research team from the Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology (TRKI) Program at UNDIP Vocational School—Endy Yulianto, Malika Pintanada Kaladinanty, and Najwa Putri Indira Kusuma—has developed an innovative idea to produce collagen from this waste.
Malika Pintanada Kaladinanty, known as Malika, explained that fish skin and scale waste can be used as raw materials for collagen production. Collagen is a connective protein commonly found in animals and has various uses, including as an additive in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and photography industries. Collagen derived from fishery and marine waste has several advantages over collagen sourced from livestock (such as poultry). These benefits include being free from BSE (mad cow disease), having more versatile applications (especially in food industries), being produced from low-cost raw materials (waste), and meeting growing demand for collagen, said Malika.

Reseacrhers of TRKI UNDIP
Endy added that collagen production from fish skin and scales can be done through acid extraction using acetic acid or via enzymatic processes. The extraction method using acetic acid offers several benefits, such as higher yield, easier production process, and lower cost.
By applying this extraction technology, it is expected that high yields of collagen can be achieved. This innovative idea is hoped to be implemented by local fishing groups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the fisheries and marine sector so that collagen production can become an alternative form of product diversification in the fishery industry, Endy said.

Supervisor
Najwa added that collagen production from fish skin and scales could be an effective product diversification and waste utilization strategy for fishermen groups and SMEs in the fisheries sector. It can increase the economic value of fishery and marine products, positively impacting these groups by boosting income and opening up job and business opportunities. The collagen extraction technology using acetic acid can also be further developed and applied by fish processing and canning industries to increase the added value and diversification of their products.
In addition, it could serve as a reference for local governments in drafting macro policies to enhance the contribution of the fisheries and marine sector to the regional economy. It may also serve as valuable information for the Department of Fisheries and Marine Affairs and other relevant agencies in formulating technical policies related to program development and target areas, Najwa concluded.
Recent Comments