WWF livestream showcases underwater life of Hiitola River in Rautjärvi, Finland

The underwater life of the Hiitola River in Rautjärvi, South Karelia, can now be observed in real-time through a WWF livestream. In recent years, the river has gained attention due to the removal of dams on its rapids, allowing critically endangered lake salmon to return to their historical spawning grounds. Viewers can catch glimpses of these Lake Ladoga salmon during WWF’s Nature Live broadcast available throughout October.

For over a century, hydroelectric dams prevented the upstream migration of lake salmon and trout into the Hiitola River. In recent years, three dams have been dismantled, with the last one removed last autumn. The results have been immediate; electro-fishing studies conducted by the Southeast Finland ELY Center have shown a resurgence in salmon populations in the restored areas. Fish fry have also been spotted on WWF’s fish camera.

On a recent Wednesday afternoon, a fry was seen curiously peeking at the camera. This image was captured from a computer screen. Adult lake salmon are expected to prepare for spawning around mid-October, once water temperatures have cooled sufficiently. Before that, the camera may showcase critically endangered trout, as they start their spawning period a bit earlier.

WWF conservation expert Manu Vihtonen expressed hopes that viewers might witness a lake salmon or trout constructing a nest right in front of the camera, providing a close look at their spawning behavior. The livestream may also feature other species, such as roach, bleak, and loaches, as well as rocklings resting on the riverbed.

Last autumn, WWF’s fish camera highlighted the success of river restoration when it was positioned above a newly built fish pass at Ämmäkoski in Varkaus, capturing the moment when the highly endangered lake trout used the pass as a spawning site. The broadcast showcased a diverse range of species, including pike, rainbow trout, and whitefish, that were adapting to their new habitat.