Salmon fishery in the Finnish tributaries of the River Teno

This report focuses on explaining the major changes in salmon fishing in the most important tributaries of the Teno River on the Finnish side. Changes in fishing are due to both government action (national laws 1998, bilateral laws 1990) and to factors such as development in fishing methods, the pressure caused by the increasing number of fishers and the characterisation of salmon fishing in general.

Fishing in the twelve salmon-spawning rivers on the Finnish side are governed by rules and regulations on fishing in the tributaries of the Teno River. Fishing is totally prohibited in some tributaries (Yläpulmankijoki, Luossajoki and Skiihpajoki), while only in certain areas in others (Kalddasjoki and Tsarsjoki).

Gillnet fishing in the tributaries is carried out by local fishermen, while rod fishing is practised by local people, fishermen from the neighbouring municipalities, and fishermen who have fishing rights but are not living in Utsjoki commune. In Utsjoki and Vetsikkojoki tributaries salmon fishing is also permitted for any fisher possessing the appropriate special document concerning fishing rights. In Lake Pulmankijärvi salmon fishing with gillnets is controlled, whereas in Utsjoki tributary both kinds of salmon fishing are uncontrolled and unrestricted.

Salmon catches in the tributaries are similarly variable. High salmon catches were recorded at the beginning of the 1990s and 2000s, and in 2006 and 2008. In the Utsjoki river system the long-term salmon catch was 1,500 kg, in the Vetsikkojoki river 590 kg and in Lake Pulmankijärvi 450 kg. Salmon catches in the tributaries consist mainly of grilse (90%), although in 2002 and 2007 catches held an exceptionally high proportion of two sea winter salmon. The mean size of grilse in the tributaries (1.2 kg) was smaller than that in the Teno River itself (1.6 kg). Salmon size declined with the size of the tributary.

Wild salmon stocks in the Teno River and its tributaries are genetically different. These stocks should therefore be managed properly through regulation of fishing, which will require close cooperation between local organisations and governmental authorities.