Celebrating the Round Goby's Dominance in the Baltic Sea
In the Baltic Sea, a small fish species has made a significant impact - the round goby. Researcher Loreta Rozenfelde has identified the round goby as the main culprit in the Bior Research Institute's marine division, indicating its prevalence in the region.
Originating from the Caspian Sea, the round goby has found a thriving home in the Baltic Sea, boasting a large and robust population. This abundant presence, however, has created a paradox. Despite being locally abundant, the round goby is primarily exported, with annual catches in Latvia exceeding several hundred tonnes.
The round goby is a lean fish, containing only 1% fat, and is very rich in protein, with an average of 17% protein content. These nutritional facts, combined with its local abundance, have made the round goby a popular choice in restaurants and home kitchens across the Baltic region. In fact, it is the second most caught fish in the Baltic Sea, after herring.
Initially, there was enthusiasm for the round goby in Latvia, with Ēriks Krūze, Head of Bior's Marine Division, noting a shift in public preference towards smoked haddock during summer seasons. However, efforts are being made to commercialize the round goby in the Baltic region, with the hope of changing this trend.
Tests on the round goby have shown low levels of persistent organic pollutants, toxic metals, and meet European Union standards, making it safe for human consumption. This, along with its high market value, has led experts to stress the need to learn to live with the round goby and benefit economically from it.
The round goby is not just a staple in the Baltic region. In Ukraine and Bulgaria, it is widely eaten. Even the Black Sea market buys the round goby at a high price from the Baltic Sea region due to its longer growth duration.
Meanwhile, a German research institution, the Thünen Institute, is working on commercializing the farming and selling of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in the Baltic Sea. This development underscores the potential for sustainable fisheries in the region.
Despite the initial expectations, the round goby has not yet become a new resource for people to eat and buy in Latvia as originally anticipated. However, with continued efforts and a shift in public perception, the round goby could become a valuable source of protein and income for the Baltic region. For now, it seems that the round goby will remain in the Baltic Sea for the foreseeable future, a paradoxical presence that offers both challenges and opportunities.
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