Production, Trading and Potential Utilization of Fish Scale in Khulna, Bangladesh

Abstract

Fish scales are generally considered as obsolete fish waste in Bangladesh, though they are the valuable component with versatile applications throughout the world. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the production, market chain, and future potential of fish scales in Khulna region of Bangladesh following the primary and secondary data. The major fish species contributing scales in the study area are Labio rohita, Lates calcarifer, Catla catla, Cirrhinus cirrhosis, Anabas testudineus, Oreochromis niloticus, Mugil cephalus, and Labeo bata. The study revealed that only 30% of fish scales were utilized of which 90% were exported and 10% were used in local fish and poultry feed industries. The scales were exported to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and China following a simple market chain that includes local fish cutters, scale retailers, national dealers, and finally importers sequentially. The scales’ price was varied from 295 to 472 US$/MT in the local market and 500 to 2000 US$/MT in the export market following the market availability and size. A huge amount (70%) of fish scales remains unutilized which could be a potential for better economic growth in Bangladesh. Therefore, initiatives of commercial utilization of fish scales is expected with a sound institutional policy in Bangladesh.