About Us

Ofishal Leather utilises materials which were previously going to waste and transforms them into a high value and versatile textile. 

“There is no such thing as waste, only resources in the wrong place.”

We intend to allow seafood processors to generate more value from every fish harvested. We want to be the positive influence needed to help people better respect and utilise the fish they are taking, fostering improved behaviours that will allow us to take less.

Basically we hate waste and love making epic products!

Our Founder: Dallas Abel

I’m a qualified Marine Scientist, father of two incredible boys, sub-standard fisherman and casual at home gardener.

My love for the ocean and fishing comes from growing up alongside the coastline spending my time exploring, fishing and using it as a way to stay out of trouble.

I’m all about conservation and protecting our marine ecosystems.  

 

I’m inspired by the philosophy that utilisation is the key to conservation. I want to champion the idea that by extracting more value from the fish we harvest, can reduce the need for excessive harvesting, ultimately conserving fish stocks. My vision extends beyond traditional practices, encouraging commercial fishing companies, communities, and families to boost their revenue through innovation rather than increased harvest.

Durring my previous career as a New Zealand Government Fisheries Observer, I saw firsthand the amount of waste produced onboard industrial commercial fishing boats - factories on water. Thousands and thousands of tonnes of fish offcuts, wasted. 

The Kai Ika Project and Beyond:

My dedication to fish utilisation is not just rhetoric as I have actively spearheaded initiatives like 'The Kai Ika Project', where previously discarded fish heads and frames are collected and distributed to appreciative communities throughout New Zealand. This hands-on experience fueled mu commitment to finding meaningful solutions to address the staggering statistic that, on average, only about 35% of a fish is consumed as skinless boneless fillets, with the rest typically wasted.

Ofishal Leather's Mission:

At Ofishal Leather, we are on a mission to change the narrative around fish "waste." Recognising the untapped potential in fish skins, we have started our journey by crafting unique leather wallets that not only showcase the beauty of fish skin but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible approach to fishing.

Join us in shifting attitudes, embracing innovation, and unlocking the full potential of every fish. Ofishal Leather invites you to be part of a movement that marries style with purpose, leaving a positive impact on our oceans and the communities that depend on them.

Together, let's redefine the meaning of fish utilisation and conservation.

The Ofishal Logo

Ofishal Leather's logo, a half fish outline, symbolizes our commitment to utilising the full potential of fish resources.

By featuring only half of a fish, we draw attention to the fact that, on average, less than 50% of a fish is traditionally consumed as fillets with the e offcuts usually wasted. This deliberate design reflects our company's ethos of looking beyond conventional practices. 

At Ofishal Leather, we embrace innovation to extract maximum value from fish harvested, transforming fish skin into exquisite leather products like our beautifully crafted wallets.

Our logo is a visual reminder of our dedication to sustainable practices and the pursuit of excellence in creating unique, eco-friendly goods.