The Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland situated in the Baltic Sea, boast a rich fishing tradition that has long been integral to local livelihoods and culture. The archipelago’s fishing industry primarily targets Baltic herring, perch, pike, whitefish, and salmon, with Baltic herring historically dominating commercial catches and export markets. Traditional small-scale coastal fishing has evolved alongside modern aquaculture, but local fishers still rely on sustainable methods to maintain healthy stocks. In the past, Åland’s strategic location made it a hub for trade and fish processing, especially during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the industry balances commercial harvests with recreational angling and tourism, ensuring the continued importance of fishing to the islands’ economy and heritage.
| Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
|---|
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.