Protection for endangered Saimaa ringed seal
MEKThe Saimaa ringed seal is among the most endangered seals in the world. They have been protected since 1955, and the only existing population of the seal can be found at Lake Saimaa, where the number of seals is now about 260 seals.
In order to protect the endangered Saimaa ringed seal Sulkava has restricted fishing in the waters where the ringed seal resides. The restrictions are effective from mid-April til the end of June. This is the period during which the young seal pups get easily trapped in fishing nets.
The Sulkava municipality will also restock salmon fries in its rapids, as well as restocking 3600 one year old and 900 two years old brown trout fries in the area's rapids.
Sulkava has rehabilitated five of its rapids for fishing purposes. The total size of the rehabilitated areas is approximately three hectares.
Restocking of crayfish will continue in the area as well. The fisheries carry out test fishing for crayfish in order to follow up on the success of restocking in previous years and the development of the crayfish stock.
The Saimaa ringed seal population descended from Ringed Seals that were separated from the rest when the land rose after the last Ice Age.
Comments (5)