Cyprinids such as roach and bream are relatively underutilized fish, despite many ecological and economic benefits involved in catching them. By fishing cyprinids, it is possible to remove nutrients from water, reduce eutrophication and manage fish stocks. In accordance, domestic cyprinids are one of the most sustainable sources of animal proteins.
What is it about?
The South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra have together taken on a challenge to increase the value of cyprinids by following the principles of circular economy. In this regard, it is necessary to find solutions to the central issues of using cyprinids in industrial food production: availability, logistics and handling process. Related actions include improving the availability of fish mass for producers and using fish fractions, including fins as feed or value-added products. The project is part of a national road map pilot scheme published by Sitra: Domestic fish and the fish industry as the backbone for a competitive circular economy.
What are we doing?
The project will focus on improving the efficiency of logistics by identifying solutions that enable profitable transportation and collection of small and large catches of fish. In order to make the process effective, a digital system will be developed for sharing catch information between fishermen, government and transportation companies. The project also examines how cyprinids, in particular roach and bream, can be gutted automatically. This will improve the profitability and lower the price of the end product. Moreover, business models will be examined for enhancing the profitability throughout the value chain.
Who are involved?
The South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences is responsible for the implementation of the project. The East Finland FLAG actively guides the activities of the project and distributes information about it to other groups of fisheries. The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra is the primary funder of the project.
