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A single protected area need for the Saimaa seal

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Publication date 1.2.2010 11.13
Press release -

The follow-up group for the reconciliation of fishing and the protection of the Saimaa Ringed Seal submitted its report to Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sirkka-Liisa Anttila on 1 February. The follow-up group proposes that a single protected area should be established for the Saimaa Ringed Seal, where net fishing, hook fishing with fish bait and fishing with trap nets defined in a decree of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry would be prohibited between 15 April and 30 June.

The surface area of this core area for the protection of Saimaa seal cubs is about 1 500 km2, and it covers the main breeding areas of the Saimaa seal. In the opinion of the working group, the best way to establish this protected area for the spring season would be to conclude agreements with the owners of water areas on a voluntary basis. If a single protected area cannot be achieved by 30 November 2010 or the costs of the agreements per square kilometre seem to rise very much from the present level, the protected area would be established by Government decree.

The follow-up group also proposes that the closed season and protected area should be changed later on if this is considered necessary for more efficient protection of the Saimaa Ringed Seal.

In its report the follow-up group, with representatives from a wide range of fisheries and environmental administration and organisations, gives altogether 17 proposal for measures. The aim is to practice fishing in Lake Saimaa in a way that the realisation of objectives relating to the protection of the Saimaa Ringed Seal is not compromised.

The group considers that fishing in Lake Saimaa can be reconciled with protection so that maintaining the Saimaa Ringed Seal at a favourable conservation status is not placed at risk. Efforts are also made to ensure and maintain the preconditions for ecologically sustainable fishing, profitable professional fishing and diverse recreational fishing.

A control plan, with due account for the control performed by the police, Metsähallitus, fishing districts and owners of water areas, should be drawn up to ensure the efficient enforcement of the decisions concerning fishing restrictions. The plan should set down the concrete division of responsibilities for the control, including the supervision of the agreements on fishing restrictions concluded with owners of water areas. A follow-up group should be set up to evaluate the fishing restriction measures taken to protect the Saimaa Ringed Seal. The group should convene at least once a year.

Further information at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:
Eija Kirjavainen, Fisheries Counsellor tel. +358 (0)40 772 12 62
Roni Selén, Senior Officer, tel. +358 (0)40 507 39 34