Aquaculture

The main aim of the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute's Aquaculture Unit is to maintain the genetic diversity of endangered indigenous Finnish fish populations through aquaculture when other conservation methods cannot ensure this. The Unit also develops and enhances preconditions for aquaculture as a livelihood.

Whitetefish eggs in incubation funnels

Aquaculture stations use the latest knowledge and methodology in maintaining the valuable native fish stocks. They rear broodstocks to produce high-quality fish eggs and fingerlings for cultivation. Other aquaculturae products and customer services are being devised in order to improve recreational fishing develop aquaculture industry.

There are 12 indigenous species or morphs of fish in aquaculture, and of these, over 70 differentiated strains are in production. The aquaculture unit is also in charge of national selective breeding programme for rainbow trout and whitefish. A gene bank is used for storing the milt of the most important fish stocks.

Aquaculture stations are well equipped to carry out research and development projects in cooperation with scientific research organisations. Finnish fish farming know-how is utilized in many farming operations all over the world.

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