Celebrate the Round Goby's reign in the Baltic Sea
The round goby, a lean fish with an average of 17% protein content and only 1% fat, has established itself as a significant presence in the Baltic Sea [1][4]. Originating from the Caspian Sea, this small fish species has been in the Baltic Sea for around 30 years.
Despite its local abundance, the round goby is not widely consumed in countries like Latvia, where tourists prefer smoked haddock during the summer seasons. However, this could change as experts stress the need to learn to live with the round goby and capitalize economically, particularly in fisheries [5].
Loreta Rozenfelde, a researcher at the marine division of the Bior Research Institute, has identified the round goby as a major issue in the Baltic Sea ecosystem [3]. Despite its invasive nature, causing harm to native species and altering habitats, the round goby is safe for human consumption, according to the Bior Research Institute.
Tests conducted on the round goby have shown low levels of persistent organic pollutants and toxic metals, meeting European Union standards. This, coupled with its protein-rich and lean composition, makes it a healthy fish to consume [2].
The economic potential of the round goby in the Baltic region is being explored by the Bior Research Institute, who are investigating ways to commercialize the fish [4]. The Black Sea market, for instance, purchases round goby from the Baltic Sea region due to its longer growth period compared to classical conditions in the Black Sea.
The round goby is sought after in the market, with a high value for both restaurants and home kitchens. However, despite its local abundance and economic potential, the round goby is more often exported abroad rather than being consumed domestically in Latvia.
While initiatives promoting sustainable blue economy solutions imply potential for food and feed applications, there is currently a lack of direct scientific evidence on the nutritional or health impacts of consuming round goby from the Baltic Sea [2]. This underscores the need for responsible harvesting to mitigate ecosystem damage caused by round goby proliferation [5].
In conclusion, the round goby presents an economic opportunity in the Baltic Sea, with its commercial fishing offering a potential solution to manage this invasive species. However, further specialized studies or reviews would be required to provide detailed nutritional or health data about the round goby.
Euro scientists are suggesting that the health-and-wellness benefits of the round goby, along with its lean protein content and low-fat profile, make it a suitable food-and-drink option for consumers in Latvia, particularly as a means to support the local lifestyle and economy by utilizing this invasive species in the Baltic Sea. Despite its favorable nutritional profile and economic potential, the round goby remains more commonly exported abroad rather than being consumed domestically in Latvia, underscoring a need for research on the nutritional or health impacts of consuming round goby from the Baltic Sea.
