Income generated from the fish scales business in Bangladesh

 

Bangladesh is one of the world's largest producers of fish. The fish scales business contributes significantly to the country's economy through export earnings, employment generation, and value addition to the fishery sector. Fish scales are in demand globally for various purposes, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. Bangladesh exports fish scales to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America, earning foreign exchange for the country. Fish scales are often considered a by-product of the fish processing industry. However, they have substantial value in various industries due to their collagen content. Processing fish scales into collagen products adds value to the fishing industry and creates additional revenue streams.

The fish scales business creates employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where fishing and fish processing are prevalent. From collecting scales to processing and packaging, various stages of the value chain provide jobs to a significant number of people. Utilizing fish scales prevents wastage in the fish processing industry. Instead of discarding scales as waste, extracting value from them contributes to resource efficiency and sustainability in the fisheries sector. Collagen derived from fish scales is a valuable ingredient in the health and beauty industries. It is used in products such as dietary supplements, skincare products, and wound dressings. 

The availability of fish scales supports these industries both domestically and internationally. For fishermen and fish processors, the fish scales business offers an opportunity to diversify income sources. It provides an additional revenue stream alongside traditional fish products, helping to stabilize incomes and mitigate risks associated with fluctuating fish prices. The fish scales business can be accessible to small-scale enterprises and individual entrepreneurs. With relatively low entry barriers, small businesses can engage in collecting, processing, and trading fish scales, contributing to economic decentralization and grassroots development.

According to Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, only 10-12 traders are involved in exporting fish scales. However, around 5,000 people are directly involved with the trade. A total of 2,500 tons of fish scales are exported every year, which brings home foreign currencies worth Tk200 core.

……………..Author by Md Shafiqul Islam