Recommendations for preparedness
The following measures address the structural vulnerabilities outlined above and aim to strengthen preparedness in the Nordic aquatic food system.
1. Systematically assess and prepare supply chains disruptions
Nordic seafood value chains are closely integrated with global markets for inputs, processing, and logistics. Coordinated, scenario‑based assessments should be used to examine how disruptions to feed supply, processing capacity, transport routes, or market access would affect product flows. This would help identify critical bottlenecks and clarify the minimum levels of regional processing flexibility and routing capacity needed to maintain supply when external routes are constrained. Strengthening such internal options can reduce exposure to disruptions and support both crisis preparedness and consumer access.
2. Diversify feed sources
Nordic aquaculture remains highly dependent on imported feed ingredients, exposing the sector to global supply disruptions and limiting preparedness. Increasing the share of regional or domestically sourced feed materials would reduce risk and improve the robustness of primary production across the Nordic region.
3. Strengthen management co‑operation on shared stocks and management of all stocks
Fisheries management is a core element of Nordic preparedness. While the management of many stocks is science‑based and well‑functioning, several important stocks now face biological pressure due to high fishing mortality, low spawning biomass, or unresolved management frameworks. For shared stocks, unresolved coastal‑state agreements and quota disputes further reduce predictability and long‑term resilience. Such constraints should be mitigated in peacetime.
Recommendations for preparedness
The following measures address the structural vulnerabilities outlined above and aim to strengthen preparedness in the Nordic aquatic food system.
1. Systematically assess and prepare supply chains disruptions
Nordic seafood value chains are closely integrated with global markets for inputs, processing, and logistics. Coordinated, scenario‑based assessments should be used to examine how disruptions to feed supply, processing capacity, transport routes, or market access would affect product flows. This would help identify critical bottlenecks and clarify the minimum levels of regional processing flexibility and routing capacity needed to maintain supply when external routes are constrained. Strengthening such internal options can reduce exposure to disruptions and support both crisis preparedness and consumer access.
2. Diversify feed sources
Nordic aquaculture remains highly dependent on imported feed ingredients, exposing the sector to global supply disruptions and limiting preparedness. Increasing the share of regional or domestically sourced feed materials would reduce risk and improve the robustness of primary production across the Nordic region.
3. Strengthen management co‑operation on shared stocks and management of all stocks
Fisheries management is a core element of Nordic preparedness. While the management of many stocks is science‑based and well‑functioning, several important stocks now face biological pressure due to high fishing mortality, low spawning biomass, or unresolved management frameworks. For shared stocks, unresolved coastal‑state agreements and quota disputes further reduce predictability and long‑term resilience. Such constraints should be mitigated in peacetime.
