Abstract: China has a huge aquatic product processing industry. Fish processing generates a large amount of byproducts, especially fish skin. Recent research has found that the collagen-rich byproduct can be hydrolyzed by protease to produce a variety of peptides with specific physiological functions. Oligopeptides containing 2–20 amino acid residues draw especial research attention due to their excellent biological activity, bio-safety and easiness of absorption by the human body. The oligopeptides possess biological activities such as antioxidation, blood pressure control, chelating metal ions and immune regulation, and have promising application potential in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. So far, the research and development of fish skin-derived oligopeptides have been intensively reported. This paper focuses on recent advances in the preparation, biological activity and application of fish skin collagen-derived oligopeptides, in order to provide a basis for the development of functional peptide products and the efficient, value-added and sustainable utilization of aquatic resources in China.

Key words: aquatic product, byproduct, protease, hydrolysis, functional peptide