Leader Project: Get to Know Landlocked Salmon 2002-2003

Fishing areas and corporations, fishing associations and fishermen have voiced their concern over the lack of young people interested in fishing. The issues of a reduced number of people participating in recreational fishing and of the future of the conservation and the care of fishing waters are real. There is a lack of both financial and human resources.

Raising awareness and interest is a long-term objective and there are no immediate results to be obtained; however, the task of getting youth to take an interest in fishing and in the care of fishing waters must be engaged.

The landlocked salmon of Lake Pielinen was chosen as a theme; it is a fish that has only existed in Lake Pielinen and in the Lieksanjoki River. The species now lives released in Lake Pielinen but measures are being taken and have been taken to enable its natural reproduction. The landlocked salmon is a jointly shared species of the whole Pielinen area.

In the course of the project, a multi-media product of landlocked salmon will be put together as a joint effort bringing together local youth, schoolteachers, the tourism industry and fishermen. The multi-media product will be handed out free-of-charge to schools and to the project partners. In addition, events providing information on fishing, types of fish and the care of fishing waters and fish stock will be organised.

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