From Shark Liver to High-Value Oil: Unlocking the Potential of a Marine By-product

Chomal Nishtha K¹*, Dr D. V. Bhola², Drishya Khudai¹, Shinde Aaditi¹

¹PG Scholar, Department of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval (362265), Gujarat, India

²Associate Professor, Department of Fish Processing Technology, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval (362265), Gujarat, India

Co-author email ID:  chomalnishtha@gmail.com     

  doi.org/10.5281/Fishworld.22653519

Abstract

Shark liver, once regarded mainly as a processing by-product, is increasingly recognised as a valuable source of oil and bioactive compounds. Unlike most bony fishes, sharks possess a large, oil-rich liver that contributes to buoyancy and can contain substantial quantities of lipid. Shark liver oil (SLO) is particularly valuable because it contains compounds such as squalene, alkylglycerols and other beneficial lipids, which have attracted interest in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food-related applications. The oil can be recovered from shark liver through different extraction methods, followed by filtration and refining to obtain a high- quality product. Squalene is especially important because of its use in cosmetic formulations and as a component of certain vaccine adjuvants, while alkylglycerols have been investigated for their potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, efficient recovery of shark liver oil offers an opportunity to transform an underutilised marine resource into a high-value product while supporting better utilisation of seafood-processing resources. However, sustainable sourcing and responsible utilisation of shark resources are essential to ensure that the development of shark liver oil products does not contribute to pressure on shark populations.

Keywords: Shark liver oil; Squalene; Omega-3 fatty acids; Bioactive compounds.