Finnish government proposes allowing protective hunting of barnacle geese

The Finnish government has reached an agreement on legislative changes that would permit the protective hunting of barnacle geese and great cormorants, public broadcaster Yle reports.

Under the draft proposal, both species would be added to the list of game animals in Finland’s Hunting Act while simultaneously receiving year-round protection. The measure would allow hunting only to prevent damage to agriculture, fisheries, or aviation—such as protecting crops or reducing risks to air traffic.

Any meat obtained through protective hunting could be used for personal consumption but not sold commercially, according to the proposal.

The bill is expected to enter a public consultation phase in mid-April.