Newly introduced fish species set to replace imported salmon in Finland
The Natural Resources Institute of Finland estimates that the nelma or sheefish, native but endangered in Russia, could be a new addition to the Finnish grocery scene.
The nelma could replace Norwegian salmon imports.
The Natural Resources Institute of Finland (“Luke”) says that a species of fish called the nelma may be a contender for a replacement to salmon imported from Norway.
The nelma is a silver-coloured and migratory predatory fish that is well suited to being farmed. In nature nelmas or sheefish can grow to 1.5 metres in length and more than 20 kg, though the median weight for the creature is around 9 kilos.
The first nelma spawn was brought through quarantine from Russia to the Laukaa fishery some six years ago.
“The nelma is great,” says Petri Heinimaa from Luke. “It’s big, tasty and resilient to diseases. It’s mostly found in Siberia, northern Alaska and Canada,” says Petri Heinimaa from Luke.
First generation brood fish
Nelmas mature late and grow slowly. In Laukaa they have been farmed using whitefish breeding techniques, and now the first generation of brood fish is splashing away in the facility’s pools.
“We’ve done very well with them,” Heinimaa says. “All evidence points to this being a safe import and a new boon for the industry.”
It will be a couple of years until you can walk into your local shop and buy a packet of nelma, however. It is perfect as a salted fish which works both cold and hot-smoked, and would not be out of place on the menu of a gourmet restaurant.
Heinimaa says he values the taste of nelma above most other edible fish, but regrets the high price of the slow grower.
“Its rarity, size and salmon-like greasiness are well worth the high kilogram price,” he says.
Not easy in natural waters
Finnish law makes it impossible to plant nelma in natural water areas. Years of research may yield the permission, if it is found that the species does not harm or interfere with any others.
“In Russia the nelma has become more rare in nature, and is actually endangered,” says Risto Kannel from Luke. “They tried to farm it there because it’s a preferred dish. We want Finns to take it on board as well.”
The Natural Resources Institute is focusing on maintaining the genetic stock of the nelma and taking care of the brood. The Institute’s job is to deliver nelma spawn to independent fish farms, of which there are some 200 in Finland.
“The private sector may see the nelma as an opportunity. Of course it’s a risk because the pools are reserved for different species, but it’s also a possibility,” Kannel says.
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Sustainable Arctic fishery monitoring gets powerful digital tool with Global Fishing Watch, Radio Canada International
Finland: Utsjoki residents at odds over Tenojoki salmon fishing restrictions, Yle News
Greenland: The donut hole at the centre of the Arctic Ocean, Blog by Mia Bennett
Norway: Deal protects Arctic waters around Svalbard, Norway from fishing, The Independent Barents Observer
Sweden: Record numbers for Swedish wild salmon, Radio Sweden
Russia: Oryong 501 sinking highlights Arctic fishing, shipping issues, Blog by Mia Bennett
United States: When Alaska fishing village residents can’t fish, normal life comes to an end, Alaska Dispatch News
