Smartfisk: Promoting local lake fish through education

Across Finland’s thousands of lakes, familiar species like roach, bream and small perch are abundant, affordable and locally caught, yet they are often overlooked on dinner tables where imported salmon and tuna dominate, leaving many domestic species underappreciated and undervalued. The Smartfisk (Smart fish) project, run by the Martha Foundation, addresses this challenge by showing that local lake fish are as delicious, nutritious and sustainable as their imported rivals, while supporting small-scale fishers and promoting environmentally responsible diets.

Led by fisher-turned-educator Marie Kellgren, the project runs practical workshops in schools across southern Finland and Åland, teaching students aged 12-18 and teachers to handle, fillet and cook local fish. Supported by two Fisheries Local Action Groups, the South Coast FLAG and Austrobotnian FLAG, the project spreads its message widely, creating market opportunities and inspiring communities. A recipe platform featuring a wide range of dishes, along with partnerships with restaurants, canteens and processors, helps to drive market demand and increase value for fishers.