Act on temporary ban on salmon fishing in River Tenojoki delayed - Ministry appeals to fishermen

Parliament adopted the proposal for the act on a temporary ban on salmon fishing in the River Tenojoki in the second reading on 31 May. In the Government proposal given in April it was assumed that the act could enter into force on 1 June. Now it seems, however, that the act will not enter into force until on 7 June.

This delay means that the regulations concerning the ban on salmon fishing are not in force when the fishing season starts on 1 June. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry appeals to fishermen and urges them to protect the River Tenojoki salmon populations. These populations have declined dramatically, and it is estimated that all salmon fishing is now to be considered overexploitation. The numbers of salmon returning towards the river from the sea are so small that the conditions for sustainable fishing are not met even if there were no fishing at all. The Ministry hopes that the gravity of the situation is being understood and that, even if the act on the ban on salmon fishing is not yet in force, no fishing specifically targeted to salmon or efforts to catch them would take place. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stresses the outcome of the negotiations between Finland and Norway on fishing restrictions for the River Tenojoki for the fishing season 2022. The changes to the fishing regulations for the River Tenojoki agreed with Norway concerning fishing for species other than salmon entered into force by Government decree on 6 May 2022. According to the Protocol that entered into force by the decree, the fishing gear allowed to be used is gear that is intended for species other than salmon and Arctic char. The regulations concerning the ban on salmon fishing agreed between the countries are broad in scope, which is why in Finland they must be enforced by an act instead of a Government decree, which is the regular practice for milder restrictions. The act will ban salmon fishing and the use of gear intended for salmon fishing in the River Tenojoki water system. The aim is to stop the dramatic decline in salmon populations in the river and to create conditions for the recovery of the salmon populations and achieving a sustainable level for them. In Norway the ban on salmon fishing has already entered into force. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry would also like to remind of the importance of environmental responsibility related to fishing, which comprises the responsibility for nature and its biodiversity, the environment and cultural heritage. The fishing opportunities of future generations must be taken into account in a fair and just manner in implementing the principles related to the sustainable use of the environment. 

Inquiries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry: 

Vesa Ruusila, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 162 051, vesa.ruusila(at)gov.fi
Tapio Hakaste, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 295 162 152, tapio.hakaste(at)gov.fi