Finland’s fishing industry is deeply rooted in its rich tradition and abundant freshwater and marine resources, with its thousands of lakes and extensive Baltic Sea coastline providing ideal habitats for a variety of fish species. The top catches in Finland include Baltic herring, European perch, zander (pike-perch), salmon, and vendace—a small whitefish highly prized in local cuisine. Historically, fishing has been a cornerstone of Finnish rural life, supporting both subsistence and commercial activities for centuries. Today, while the commercial sector is relatively small compared to other Nordic countries, it remains vital for local economies, particularly in coastal and lake regions. Sustainable management and modern practices have helped maintain fish stocks, ensuring that fishing continues to be both an economic and cultural mainstay in Finland.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlantic herring | 69,066 |
| 2 | European sprat | 13,535 |
| 3 | European perch | 12,661 |
| 4 | Northern pike | 6,907 |
| 5 | Vendace | 5,143 |
| 6 | Pike-perch | 3,851 |
| 7 | Roach | 2,379 |
| 8 | Freshwater bream | 2,308 |
| 9 | European whitefish | 2,025 |
| 10 | European smelt | 1,712 |
| 11 | Freshwater fishes nei | 879 |
| 12 | Burbot | 538 |
| 13 | Atlantic salmon | 467 |
| 14 | Rainbow trout | 359 |
| 15 | Grey seal | 303 |
| 16 | Ringed seal | 271 |
| 17 | Sea trout | 269 |
| 18 | Orfe(=Ide) | 217 |
| 19 | Signal crayfish | 151 |
| 20 | Grayling | 140 |
| 21 | Atlantic cod | 33 |
| 22 | Salmonoids nei | 20 |
| 23 | European flounder | 14 |
| 24 | Noble crayfish | 8 |
| 25 | European eel | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.