Finland

Type of species farmed

Food fish production in 2022 was primarily made up of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The second largest species in terms of production weight and value was European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). Other species were sea trout (Salmo trutta) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

^{Source: 2025, STECF}

Type of production method

In 2023, 79% of the Finnish production occurred in sea and brackish waters and 21% in freshwater, while 0,6% is not specified. The following main production methods were used: 

• 79% of production: in cages in sea and brackish waters. 
• 18% of production: in tanks and raceways in freshwater. 
• 3% of production: on cages in freshwater. 
• The rest (1%) was farmed using other methods, such as natural food ponds, which produce freshwater juveniles for restocking.

Sector’s size (production and consumption)

^{Source: 2026, Luke; 2025, EUMOFA}

Trends (past and future)

• In Finland, aquaculture is a key part of the fisheries sector and systematic efforts have been made to restore it to a sustainable growth path. Important developments in recent years have been the location of fish farming in open sea areas; the significant efforts made in recirculation water or RAS farming and the ongoing industry dialogue to develop the sector. In addition, the sector is moving towards a circular economy through the increased use of Baltic feed from herring and sprat. 
• A competitive and growth-enhancing environment: Legislation and governance to support sustainable growth and renewal, as well as funding, R&D and a well-functioning education and training system, are key elements of a competitive environment. 
• Sustainability and Responsibility: The environmental and social sustainability of aquaculture production is a fundamental prerequisite for action. The growth of aquaculture must be consistent with water quality and environmental obligations and other environmental objectives. The Finnish sector has taken major steps to reduce its nutrient load and currently only stands for under 2 percent of the nutrient load in Finland. 
• Fish welfare and health: It is important to ensure the well-being of fish, as even a single failure can seriously undermine the sector’s reputation. Develop and implement a program to ensure the welfare of fish and to increase scientific knowledge about it.

^{Source: MNSPA}

Impact of aquaculture in the country’s economy, food market and labour market

• The number of food fish companies has fallen by quarter, and the number of natural-feed pond farmers has decreased by 40% during the last ten years. The number of fry enterprise has remained at the same level. 
• Aquaculture has a central part of the fisheries industry in Finland, and it has potential for a sustainable increase in production. Finns consume a higher proportion of imported fish compared to domestic fish. This balance is to be improved through a sustainable increase in aquaculture production. 
• In Aland region: fish farming as an important economic sector for Åland’s sustainable development. The industry creates jobs and contributes to a viable archipelago.

^{Source: MNSPA; 2026, Luke}

Challenges and opportunities

^{Source: 2025, STECF}

Employment and number of enterprises

A total of 202 fish farming enterprises operated in 365 fish farming facilities in 2024.

^{Source: 2026, Luke}

• Act on the protection of the environment (Environmental Protection Act)
• Act on the Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure (Act on the EIA procedure)
• Act on the registration of fishing and aquaculture vessels operating at sea

Åland legislation: 

• The Åland Provincial Water Act (ÅFS 1996:61)
• Provincial Decree (2007: 57) on the farming of rainbow trout and salmon in hast.
• Act of Åland (2008: 124) on environmental protection.
• Act of Åland (2018: 31) on Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Assessment.
• Provincial Decree (2018: 33) on Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Assessment.
• Act of Åland (2018: 83) on the enrichment of the National Waste Act.
• Act of Åland (1990: 32) on the enrichment in the province of Åland of national statutes on chemicals.

Environmental permits: Permits are granted by the Regional State Administrative Agency in Mainland Finland and on Åland by the Environmental and Health Protection Agency (ÅMHM): In Mainland Finland the permits are based on the amount of nutrients added through the feed or the net load of nutrients. Åland’s environmental permits for aquaculture are regulated on the basis of the net load of nutrients.

Sources

• EUMOFA Country Profiles
• EUMOFA “The EU Fish Market” 2025 edition
• STECF 24-14 - EU Aquaculture