If you can’t beat them, eat them

Predators and invasive species – a threat or a business opportunity. Eurofish organised an international conference in Tallinn, Estonia on the 17-18 June 2025 in cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture of Estonia. THE PROGRAMME WITH PRESENTATIONS IS AVAILABLE HERE.

Challenges and threats

Our global fishing industry is facing challenges, both in salt and fresh water. Eutrophication and what it brings has long been talked about, but now we can also see the effects of climate change that brings about an increase in the temperature of our waters. This can lead to a change in which species thrive and flourish. This should be added to the already known problems that our global shipping has brought with it by moving species from their natural environment to other parts of the world. This creates problems and challenges, but at the same time we should not ignore that in the long run it can also be an opportunity in some cases.

The conference in Tallinn, arranged by Eurofish, shed exemplary light on the situation in Europe. It shows that in some cases the fishing of certain species has already been eradicated or is on the verge of ending. Examples were also given of innovative and successful work to counteract and point to possible measures to return to a sustainable future in the fishing industry.

Business opportunities

From Sweden, Per Pettersson, Managing Director of the Swedish Inland Fishermen’s Federation, presented the history and ongoing fishing of Signal Crayfish. In Sweden, Signal Crayfish dominates our large lakes on the mainland and accounts for an overwhelming majority of the commercial crayfish fishery. River crayfish are mainly found on the islands of Gotland and Öland. Crayfish have a very strong cultural anchor in Sweden and are an important source of income for fishermen during the late summer.

Many interesting ideas and research were presented on how to turn setbacks and challenges into opportunities and business potential. A major problem shared by many countries is the occurrence of Cormorants. Cormorants eat incredible volumes of fish and are a major threat to the fishing industry. The conference also presented projects that deal with developing a commercial fishery for Round goby under the slogan, ”If you can’t beat them – eat them”. Branteviks Fisk, Skillinge Fisk-Impex AB and Marint Centrum, Municipality of Simrishamn are participating in this project around the Baltic Sea. That slogan is just as useful for the Cormorant. A smorgasbord of Cormorants prepared in a variety of ways was offered. I must say that I liked them all. However, for this bird to end up in shops and on the plates of restaurants, legislation within the EU must be changed.

The path to success

Conferences like this are of great value to both decision-makers and individual fishermen. The need for common and cross-border strategies and legislation is the path to success. To get there, we need to get to know each other’s problems and share successful research and knowledge.

Tallinn

Finally, I must tell you what a fantastic experience it was to visit Tallinn for the first time. The unique old inner city with its winding alleys and cobblestone streets. Good food and drink were enjoyed in a medieval manner. I also recommend a visit to the cultural quarter around the Museum of Photography.