Rescue efforts complete for freshwater mussels in Hukkajoki River, Suomussalmi

Immediate efforts to rescue freshwater mussels in the Hukkajoki River of Suomussalmi have been completed, according to Metsähallitus. Some of the relocated mussels have managed to re-establish themselves, but their ultimate fate will only be determined after winter. Evaluating the condition of the transferred mussels remains challenging, as they are mingled with those living upstream, and the river stretches 15 meters wide.

Metsähallitus has not succeeded in removing the fine sediments that have settled on the riverbed. The organization still estimates that thousands of mussels may have died. Metsähallitus will continue to monitor the river’s condition in the future. Further updates will be provided soon.