The overall purpose of this research project is to focus, in an interdisciplinary perspective, on the history and current status of crucian carp, Carassius carassius (L.), in the Baltic Sea region, and to evaluate the species´ future potential in aquaculture on a local basis. It is very likely that the escalating problems in world fisheries and aquaculture based on predatory fish will result in increasing interest in omnivorous and herbivore species. This will give species such as crucian carp and tench (Tinca tinca L.) a renaissance as a food source in the northern hemisphere.
The project is composed of three closely interlinked parts. One part is based on the history of the crucian carp in human use and the second part on its possible future use in aquaculture. The third part of the project will focus on the origin and routes of spreading of crucian carp in Sweden and the Baltic region. Conversely, natural populations of crucian carp threatened due to secondary invasion of lakes and coastal regions can be recognized.