Promoting underused fish species and improving migrants´ integration

In addition to being essential for local food production, fisheries are an important element of Finnish national identity and food culture in coastal and inland areas. Locally caught fish is considered a resource that could be used more efficiently, especially when it comes to underexploited species such as bream, roach, ide and smelt. However, most of the underutilised fish species are not well known nor valued by consumers and restaurants.

After an influx of migrants in 2015, there was a growing need to enhance the activities that build ties between migrants and local communities. To address both challenges, the Smartfish project aimed to improve the knowledge and consumption of local fish species, as well as integrate migrants from different cultures to local communities through cooking events and exchanging experiences. A new integration model for migrants and innovative recipes for underutilized fish species were developed through this project.

Moreover, the project aimed at changing consumer perceptions towards less used fish species by highlighting their positive aspects, such as their low environmental footprint and short transport distances. For example, the Finnish fisheries contribute to a phosphorus reduction of 700 tonnes annually from the Baltic Sea, which is twice as much as the targets for land-based reduction.

The project was implemented by the Martha Organisation, which carries out cultural and civic education and does advocacy work in Finland to promote wellbeing and quality of life. This Finnish-Swedish organisation has broad knowledge on local food production and disseminating information about sustainable ways of living.