Dead fish for survival? Yep, it’s a thing.
It’s true that dead fish often belong in the trash. However, it turns out they make a very effective and unusual survival tool.
Learn how to be incredibly resourceful by discovering this unexpectedly awesome survival hack.
Dead Fish For Survival?
Tilapia = Burn Treatment
Keep in mind this survival technique is not 100% proven. However, doctors in Brazil found this survival use very handy when they were helping burn victims.
The doctors had been using pig skin to help treat the burns. However, they ran out, and did not have enough to meet demand. However, what they did have was tilapia. Lots and lots of tilapia.
Until then, the skin from tilapia was widely considered to be trash. However, the doctors found that by lying tilapia skin on the burn victims’ wounds, they could help heal them faster.
This makes sense, considering that researchers have found that tilapia skin contains large amounts of collagen and protein. These cut down on healing times, and don’t require changing nearly as often as cream and gauze.
This is definitely a weird solution. But it’s also evidence of how being resourceful can give you exceptional results – especially when you need it most.
DIY Leather
Cover Your Scent
One of the primary reasons people are tempted to throw away dead fish is their putrid smell. However, you can use this stink to your advantage in order to cover up your scent while bugging out.
This stench can also be quite useful in helping prevent people from approaching your camp.
Not to mention, when placed appropriately you can help tempt bears to move away from your camp (and away from your food/supplies).
Fertilize Your Garden
Good news! Turns out dead fish can help make excellent fertilizer for your plants. That’s because their decomposing bodies provide nutrients into the soil. they also improve soil conditions by encouraging the growth of bacteria and fungi (not to mention the arrival of worms) in order to create a flourishing mini-ecosystem.
Catch More Fish
One final use for dead fish is to utilize them as bait to catch bigger fish.
Check out the video below to view a tutorial on how to use tiny fish like sardines and pilchards to make mighty fine bait.