Efforts to revive Bothnian Bay small whitefish for culinary use in Finland

Efforts are underway to revive the often-overlooked small whitefish from the Bothnian Bay for culinary use with the assistance of EU geographical protection. The initiative is being led by local women’s farming and home economics organizations, along with fishing communities in the region. Their aim is to elevate the status and demand for this fish, also known as vendace.

An application for protection will soon be submitted to Finland’s Food Authority, with the final decision resting with the European Commission. According to an expert in local foods, small whitefish boasts unique qualities that warrant EU designation. The fish from the Bothnian Bay has a distinctly different taste compared to those caught in southern waters, influenced by the low salinity of northern sea waters. Additionally, the fish can be caught even during winter beneath the ice.

Currently, Finland has 14 food products under geographical protection, including the Kitka vendace, which received its designation in 2012. Such systems aim to guard products against name misuse and inferior counterfeits, enhancing brand recognition and aiding in marketing efforts.

The small whitefish differs significantly from the larger migratory whitefish, which is classified as an endangered species. The Bothnian Bay variant, meanwhile, is abundantly available, yet lacks market demand, leading many fishermen to refrain from catching it this year. Past catches have amounted to hundreds of kilos, highlighting its former popularity.

With proper branding, the local fishermen believe that consumer awareness can drive demand and improve pricing, making fishing more viable and attracting younger entrants to the industry. If all goes as planned, the designation for the Bothnian Bay small whitefish could be secured by next fall, promoting local fish consumption through targeted initiatives.