The Baltic Sea is battling with the impacts of overfishing and ecosystem degradation, resulting in fewer catches for small-scale coastal fishers, ultimately affecting whole coastal regions negatively. Commercial fishing of round goby, an invasive species native to the Black Sea region, could provide economic opportunities for local fishers whilst supporting the fragile Baltic Sea ecosystem.

Despite this, there is almost no commercial fishing of round goby in the Baltic Sea with few opportunities for local fishers who wish to diversify their catch. The RoundGoby project sets out to adapt existing fishing gear and adjust processing equipment to fit its small size. So far, project partners in cooperation with experienced fishers have coordinated the first round of fishing to test adapted fishing gear and certain fishing methods in locations around south and central Baltic Sea. A second round takes place in spring and early summer 2025.

A specific focus of the RoundGoby project is to increase consumer awareness around underutilised species such as round goby. Project partners, including processing companies Skillinge Fisk and Rosbergs Fisk are developing tasty, healthy and sustainable round goby dishes including round goby fish fingers, burgers and pickled “Branteviksgoby”.  A broad group of stakeholders including chefs, politicians and blue food enthusiasts have already given the round goby dishes two thumbs up. More events are planned for the coming year where the general public will have the opportunity to discover this newcomer.

Our furry friends will also not go hungry  - project partner TFTAK has already launched their pilot round goby pet snacks – a healthy and sustainable fish nibble that dogs and cats around the Baltic Sea are now getting their teeth into in a series of tasting events.

To ensure effective marketing and a sustainable value chain, project partners will develop business and support plans for actors interested in processing and supplying Round Goby to the Baltic Sea Region market.

Ecosystems (and fish) know no national boundaries and Interreg programme's support has led to some true transnational cooperation and activities across the project. All of which contribute to RoundGoby’s vision a healthy Baltic Sea, brimming with life whilst supporting resilient coastal communities in the Baltic Sea Region.