BalticWaters Fish Laboratory
The need to protect the Baltic Sea’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources has never been greater. At the same time, the demand for new knowledge is critical. To enable new research on Baltic fish species, their reproduction, and supportive stocking of threatened populations, BalticWaters operates the BalticWaters Fish Laboratory – the first facility of its kind in the Baltic region.
The laboratory is a place that enables research on fish throughout their entire life cycle – from egg to adult. In addition to research, the work at the laboratory will also contribute to the development of new techniques and methods for sustainable land-based aquaculture, as well as restocking to help fish in the sea recover. The laboratory is open to researchers and organizations from around the world who want to work with cold-water fish such as cod and herring.
Photo: Madeleine Kullenbo
Activities and objectives of the Fish Research Laboratory
The main purpose of the laboratory is to contribute knowledge for a living ocean. It is a place that enables new insight about the cold-water fish species in the Baltic Sea, which will ultimately promote the biodiversity of the sea. The activities also focus on:
- Developing knowledge on fish breeding for restocking
Develop knowledge and methods for land-based hatching and rearing of cold-water fish, such as cod, herring and turbot, to strengthen local fish populations. - Creating conditions for new research
Studies aimed at better understanding the status and development of fish populations, and how they are affected by factors such as climate change, eutrophication, pollutants and fishing. - Disseminating knowledge
Developing, compiling and sharing knowledge on how breeding and cultivation of wild Baltic food fish can contribute to strengthening local fish populations, as well as to the development of circular and climate-neutral aquaculture for brackish water species. - Contributing to sustainable aquaculture
On a commercial basis, supporting fish production and stocking, and providing expertise to the aquaculture sector.
The laboratory. Illustration: Louisa Juvall Molin
In total, BalticWaters is investing SEK 150 million. Axfood has become a long-term partner by contributing to the operation of the laboratory, advice, contacts and knowledge.
BalticWaters Fish Laboratory is located in Studsvik, just outside Nyköping.
Visiting address: Horsviksvägen 9, 611 99 Tystberga
Facilities and research opportunities
Facilities and Equipment
The laboratory offers modern infrastructure that enables both basic and applied research on Baltic fish species. The aquatic environment in the tanks can be controlled and adapted with high precision thanks to advanced water treatment systems that ensure high water quality, controlled environmental conditions and strong biosafety. The facility includes tanks and vessels of various sizes and enables experiments, technology development and method testing related to fish biology, physiology, behaviour and reproduction.
Research and experimental studies
Are you a researcher or company interested in conducting studies in controlled experimental environments? At BalticWaters Fish Laboratory, it is possible to rent laboratory space and infrastructure for research and development projects, tailored to cold-water species in the Baltic Sea. With support from experienced technical staff and flexible technical solutions, excellent conditions are created for research, method development and applied studies.