Karla Rodríguez, a student of Aquaculture Bioengineering at the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur (UABCS), is developing a project to repurpose fish skin into sustainable, handcrafted goods.
“We live in a city with high fish consumption, which produces around 34 tons of byproducts. Only a small portion is reused, for example, in flour or pet food,” said Rodríguez. “This initiative offers an ecological solution and supports a circular economy.”
The university noted that the project focuses on using fish skin to create items such as wallets, bags, and belts. Rodríguez explained that each type of skin presents unique challenges due to variations in scale size and shape.
“I started with cochito skin, which is particularly difficult. Its scales shrink during the tanning process, requiring special preservation techniques,” she said.
The research aims to reduce organic waste generated by fish markets and restaurants, where discarded fish skin contributes significantly to environmental degradation.
Rodríguez also hopes her work will highlight the artisanal potential of Baja California Sur and generate new economic opportunities for local fishing communities.
She has already produced a prototype wallet made from cochito skin, an important step in advancing a project with both environmental and economic promise.
Many years ago there was a store in Kona Hi. That sold lovely snakeskin products. I still use a snakeskin wallet. Very lovely.