Browsing by Author "Kankaanpää, Lotta"

The aim of this study is to describe different conceptions and preferences about herring and it’s environmental impacts. In consideration of eutrophication, biodiversity and clean water the Baltic Sea is in a weak condition. The use of Finnish local fish has diminished a lot and at the same time some fish species are the main reason for eutrophication. Roach and herring are mostly not used as human nutrition but fished to keep the fish stock moderate. The catches of herrings are mostly used as a fodder and a big part of Finland’s herring catches are transported to Denmark and refined as a fish meal. There has been a lot of discussion about toxins that accumulates especially to fatty fish species like herring even though the concentration levels have diminished a lot in the past few decades and the health benefits of fish will beat the possible harms due toxins. Attitudes towards fish and habits are deeply entrenched in Finnish culture. It would be extremely useful to find so called game changers for solving the problem of eutrophication in the Baltic Sea and to create practical conservation acts. The theoretical framework of this study relied on the ecosocial theory and viewpoints offered by the food choice factors and the ecological situation of the Baltic Sea. The research questions were answered based on the methods of qualitative research. The data of this qualitative study was collected with theme interviews from people attending Finnish Adult Education. A total of five took part in the theme interviews held in November and December 2020. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The analysis was done by using theory- and material-based content analysis. Herring was considered as a delicious and seasonal local fish and traditions and habits had a common role explaining the different perspectives. Herring was often eaten at home and considered as a “senior delicacy”. The diminished use of herring was explained by the changes in food culture, negative attitudes of younger generation, the smell of the fish and fish bones. On the other hand, the environmental responsibility was highly considered in the interviews. Costs and availability were the main reasons for fish choices. Salmon was the most used fish due it’s good price and availability. The result is slightly conflicting because herring is often cheaper than salmon. Availability played a major role when fish choices were considered.