Fisheries Development Program

The main goal of the Fisheries Development Program (KaKe) is to sustainably improve the profitability of domestic fishing and increase the supply of wild fish to consumers and processing. Economically profitable fishing ensures the continuity of fishing and the supply of wild fish for consumers. Through the program, new methods of operation and technologies are developed and introduced. At the same time, however, the ecological, social and economic sustainability of fishing must be ensured.

Increased costs have weakened the profitability of fishing in recent years. In any case, moving away from fossil fuels and general improvement of energy efficiency is ahead in the future. At program, the possibilities of new energy solutions are mapped and piloted.

Permit policy has been one big challenge for commercial fishing. At program, solutions are sought for the topic by improving information-based management of fish resources and fishing, as well as conflict solutions.

Technical solutions in both fishing and catch handling are one key development target. Developing the selectivity of catches increases the ecological sustainability of fishing and improves the economic profitability of fishing. By developing catch sorting, the economic value of fishing can be improved and the catch used for human consumption can be increased.

On the coast, seals and cormorants hinder commercial fishing. At program, the development of seal repellent applications continues in cooperation with aquaculture. New solutions are being sought to prevent the damage caused by maritime forests to fishing.

Fisheries Development Program Development Plan

Program’s work packages:

  1. The Green Transition
  2. Data-based management of fish resources and sustainable fishing
  3. Development of catching and fishing technology
  4. Reducing harm caused by seals and birds
  5. Program cooperates closely with other programs and the national fisheries network.

Regarding cross-cutting themes, program is responsible for the coordination of digitization. Fishermen, processing and owners of fishing rights are key stakeholders in addition to partners.

Program partners:
Natural Resources Center (coordinator)
University of Jyväskylä
Finnish Association of Professional Fishermen SAKL
Aalto Design Factory
Fisheries Center of Western Finland
University of Turku
Southeast Finland University of Applied Sciences

It is possible for new partners to join the network in the middle of the season.

Program has been granted funding of 1.3 million euros for the years 2023-2026.