Kalatalous

Kalatalous is the Finnish term for fisheries and the management of aquatic resources. It refers to the science, policy, and industry involved in harvesting fish from seas, rivers, and lakes, as well as the production of farmed fish (aquaculture) and the processing and trade that follow. The field encompasses both wild capture and aquaculture, along with the economic and social aspects of the sector.

The scope of kalatalous includes stock assessment, harvesting practices, gear regulations, licensing, seasonal or area closures, and questions related to trade and market dynamics. It also covers the processing and distribution of fish products and may include policies affecting recreational fishing and habitat protection as part of broader resource stewardship.

Governance of kalatalous is typically exercised by national authorities, often in coordination with regional agencies and within the framework of European Union policy for member states. Scientific input from research institutions informs decisions on quotas, sustainability criteria, and environmental safeguards, aiming to balance exploitation with conservation.

Research and practice in kalatalous draw on fisheries biology, economics, law, and environmental science. Key methods include stock assessment models, ecosystem-based management approaches, and the development of sustainable aquaculture. Attention is given to issues such as bycatch reduction, disease control, feed sustainability, and the environmental impact of fishing and farming.

Overall, kalatalous seeks to ensure the long-term viability of fish populations and the communities that depend on them, combining ecological integrity with economic efficiency and social well-being, under continual monitoring and adaptive management.