Bycatch Jellyfish as Collagen Source

A Frontiers in Marine Science study found collagen extracted from barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo) caught incidentally in Mediterranean fisheries is comparable in quality to intentionally harvested animals. Fishing‑guild interviews suggest fishers are willing but lack know‑how to monetize these bycatch, implying room for local processing and value chains. — If scaled, this could create a small‑scale circular bioeconomy that reduces marine waste, diversifies fisher incomes, and shifts supply dynamics for collagen used in medicine and cosmetics.