New Project Harnesses New Possibilities for More Sustainable Fishing

Novia University of Applied Sciences and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) are collaborating on a new project called Elevate Undervalued Fish Species of Finland (EUFSOF), which focuses on sustainable fishing.   

Finland has a rich fishing heritage and an average consumption of 13 kilograms of fish per person and year. However, there has been a shift towards commercially popular fish species, sidelining historically significant yet undervalued fish. As a result, half of Finland's catch goes unconsumed, totaling 20 million kilograms of unused by-products each year.  

The EUFSOF project aims to explore the untapped potential of these lesser-valued species within Finland's waters, alining global sustainability efforts with Finland's fishing traditions.  

Utilizing a mixed-methods research approach, the study will harness qualitative and quantitative data involving stakeholders from diverse sectors, including commercial fishers, processing firms, retail, and regulatory agencies. With AI-enhanced tools aiding in data analysis and policy insights, the project aspires to devise strategies to revalorize these overlooked fish species. 
The overarching goal of EUFSOF is to champion aquatic sustainability, rejuvenate Finland's rich fishing traditions, and fortify its economy, all while highlighting the crucial role of undervalued fish species.  

The project is funded by Finnish Cultural Foundation Postdoc grant in Social Sciences.