The Iijoki migratory fish project 2020-2022 was a regionally and nationally important migratory fish project. In the project, Finland's first downhill migration route for smolts was built in Haapakoski, Iijoki. Information on the functioning of the Haapakoski smolt downhill migration path can be utilised not only in the Iijoki river, but also in other built rivers both in Finland and abroad.
The measures of the Iijoki migratory fish project 2020-2022 were: Construction of the Haapakoski smolt migration channel and catching device, modification of the smolt control structure, monitoring of smolts, over-transfers of smolts, restocking of small juveniles, monitoring of the performance of restocking with electro-test fishing and promotion of the construction of the Raasaka power plant dam fish road.
The project communicated extensively about the migratory fishing measures in Iijoki and prepared the necessary follow-up measures for the coming years, such as the Lohi Iijoki project. The Iijoki migratory fish project 2020-2022 continued extensive and well-functioning cooperation between stakeholders.
The project was funded by PVO-Vesivoima Oy, the Lapland Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ii, Oulu, Pudasjärvi, Taivalkoski, Kuusamo, the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia and the Iijoki fishing area. In addition, Metsähallitus and the North Ostrobothnia Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment participated in the project as official work. The Natural Resources Institute Finland was also involved in the implementation of the project. The project is coordinated by the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia. The total budget of the project was approximately EUR 2.25 million.
The project received funding from the NOUSU programme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The programme improves the living conditions of migratory fish and aims to restore the natural reproduction of migratory fish stocks in Finland's current waters.
Duration: 15.6.2020-31.10.2022
Budget: Approx. €2.25 million
Administrator: Council of Oulu Region
Further information:
Mirko Laakkonen, Project Manager
Tel. 040 685 4036
mirko.laakkonen(at)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi
Press releases published in the project
More information about smolt trekking solutions in Haapakoski
YouTube video: Downhill migration route of smolts in Haapakoski, Iijoki
YouTube video: Iijoki migratory fish project 2020-2022, electric pilot fishing for salmon and trout
