About us
The Baltic Herring Research Project at the University of Turku studies the biology of the Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras), an important species for the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Since the early 1980s, we have collected long-term data on spawning herring populations, especially in the northern Baltic Archipelago Sea near the city of Turku, Finland. Our work has focused on reproduction and population changes over time.
Today, we study how herring physiology and reproduction are affected by the changing marine environment. We look at challenges such as climate change, eutrophication, and different stress factors. Alongside monitoring the spawning population, we also use modern methods to study herring health, life history, and responses to environmental change across the Baltic Sea.
Our lab is located close to the Archipelago Sea, which makes fieldwork and access to spawning sites easy. We work together with both Finnish and international partners with the goal of improving knowledge of Baltic herring biology and help protect this key species and its ecosystem.
Key funders and supporters:
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the following funders and supporters, whose contributions over the years has enabled our ongoing research and fieldwork:
- Weisell Foundation
- Lieto Savings Bank Foundation
- Sakari Alhopuro Foundation
- Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation
- Finnish Cultural Foundation
- Turku University Foundation
- Saaristomeren Kalaleader (Skärgårdshavets Fiskeleader)
- Nagu Rotaryklubb
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland
- Southwest Finland ELY-centre
- European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
- Finnish Nature Resources Research Fund
- Finnish Foundation for Nature Conservation
- Turku Finnish University Society
- Olvi Foundation
- Professional fishermen who have provided samples over the years
- Archipelago Research Institute, University of Turku
- Department of Biology, University of Turku
- FINMARI Research Infrastructure
- City of Uusikaupunki
- City of Parainen
- Selkämeren Jää oy
- Salmonfarm ab
- Uusikaupunki fish sorting center (Uudenkaupungin kalanlajittelukeskus)
- Municipalities of Taivassalo and Kustavi
- Finnish Professional Fishermen’s Association (Suomen ammattikalastajaliitto SAKL)