Applications, uses and by-products from cephalopods

Abstract

The worldwide catch of cephalopod species (squid, cuttlefish and octopuses) was close to 4 million t in 2008. The utilization and the processing of cephalopods result in the generation of a large amount of by-products. Generated by-products represent 35∈% of the total mass caught and these include head, viscera, skin, bone, etc. These wastes are currently unvalued. Serious environmental problems can be created without appropriate management. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cephalopod by-products are suitable for human consumption, animal food and other applications with high market value. Indeed, cephalopod by-products are a source of interest for molecules such as polyunsaturated acids, chitin, collagen, etc. This chapter provides an overview of the extraordinary potential of cephalopod by-products and their applications.