Fishermen in Finland receive four-year aid for Saimaa ringed seal protection

Professional fishermen in Finland can apply for financial support related to the protection of the Saimaa ringed seal for another four years. This assistance compensates fishermen for losses incurred due to fishing restrictions as well as for decreased catch due to the seals. The transitional aid aims to encourage fishermen to develop seal-friendly equipment and fishing methods by 2027, according to the North Savo Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.

After the transition period, state subsidies for the protection of the Saimaa ringed seal will cease. Currently, gillnet fishing is prohibited in seal habitats to protect seal pups, and the use of baited hooks is also banned in conservation areas.

Since 2015, commercial fishermen in the Saimaa seal protection zones have been eligible for compensation. However, the upcoming four-year funding period will only assist full-time fishermen, leaving part-time fishermen ineligible for support. The purpose of this aid is to enable these professionals to invest in seal-safe fishing practices.

The overarching goal is to maintain fishing activities in the Saimaa region despite the conservation efforts for the ringed seal. Seal-safe fishing gear has been developed, including traps fitted with barriers to prevent seals from entering.

The aid, which will be distributed in August, is aimed at commercial fishermen operating in areas with fishing restrictions for seal protection. It compensates for losses incurred from catch using stationary gear like nets and is calculated as 20 percent of the value of the previous year’s catch made with such gear in Saimaa.

According to Tero Nieminen from the North Savo ELY Centre, approximately 30 to 50 full-time professional fishermen operate in the Saimaa ringed seal conservation area.