About us
The Baltic Herring Research Project at the University of Turku seeks to deepen our understanding of the Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras), a keystone species crucial to the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Since the early 1980s, our research has focused on studying Baltic herring populations, with a particular focus on the northern Baltic Archipelago Sea and the vital spawning areas near Turku, Finland. Over the decades, we have conducted numerous scientific and monitoring projects, contributing valuable long-term data on herring reproduction and population dynamics.
Nowadays our team investigates the complex interactions between herring physiology, reproductive success, and the rapidly changing marine environment. We focus on key challenges such as the impacts of climate change, eutrophication, and physiological stress markers. In addition to ongoing monitoring of the spawning population, we utilize many advanced techniques like otolith microchemistry, lipid analysis, and hematology to unravel the life histories, health, and environmental responses of herring across the Baltic Sea.
Located near the Archipelago Sea, our lab is ideally positioned for fieldwork, granting us direct access to essential spawning sites. We collaborate widely with international and national research partners and are committed to sharing our findings through active science communication. Our work aims to advance the scientific understanding of Baltic herring biology and support efforts to preserve this vital 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)