Fishheart Wins the 2026 “Save the Baltic Sea” Award

Fishheart Ltd has been awarded the €20,000 Save the Baltic Sea Award by the Finnish Fair Foundation for its industrial-scale fish passage solution. The award was presented on 13 February 2026 at the Vene 26 Båt boat show in Helsinki as recognition for significant contributions to improving the ecological condition of the Baltic Sea and its waterways.

Fishheart’s fishway enables migratory fish to bypass hydropower plants and regain access to their natural spawning grounds. The solution combines advanced technology with innovative design, representing a new approach to supporting biodiversity while coexisting with renewable hydropower.

From a trailer-sized prototype, the fishway has developed into a 11,000 kg industrial-scale system that fits in a shipping container. Over the past year, Fishheart has achieved significant international momentum, launching major projects in North America and Australia.

The expert jury highlighted the project’s international growth potential, technological excellence, and measurable impact on nature conservation. Now in its eighth year, the Save the Baltic Sea Award highlights solutions that make a tangible difference for marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Fishheart thanks the award organisers, the jury, our employees, partners and customers, and the inventor of the Fishheart fishway, Tarmo Aittaniemi, whose vision and perseverance made this innovation possible.

Inquiries:

Marko Virtanen 
Sales Director EU
+358 45 783 8268 8

Minna Toivonen HR
Communication Manager
+358 50 339 9087