There used to be an old saying that had to do with the meatpacking industry and processing of pigs.

It went, approximately, “They use everything but the squeal.”

What that meant, of course, is all of animal was used for something; nothing was thrown out during processing.

The people that work in and with the fishing industry including politicians and appointed officials, seem to be taking a chapter from that old book, specifically looking at using all of whitefish for purposes yet to be developed and used.

Under the label of 100% Whitefish, the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers, a Chicago-based organization representing the governors of the Great Lakes states and the Canadian premiers of Ontario and Quebec, last week launched the initiative that includes a diverse group of partner organizations.

Superiorland residents and visitors are quite familiar with whitefish; pan- or deep-fried, it’s often served at local fish fries with French fries, cole slaw and what have you.

But what about the rest of the fish? The head or entrails or skin, etc.

The group is looking to Iceland for guidance and as an example. That country, among others, has pioneered using all of the fish it catches in various products, greatly increasing the value of the catch while developing new products and markets.

David Naftzger, executive director for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers, said in a Mining Journal story, “There is tremendous potential for Great Lakes whitefish. Beyond this, 100% fish can help create more value and benefits from lake trout, walleye, yellow perch and other species in our region. This is just the tip of the iceberg and we look forward to the work to come.”

In a world where really stupid people doing really ugly things often get the headlines and airtime, this effort is nothing less than smart and forward thinking.

It will be interesting, going forward, to see how all of this comes out.