The Finnish Food Authority is launching a communication campaign warning about the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris to prevent the dangerous parasite from spreading to Upper Lapland, into waters flowing into the Arctic Ocean. The goal of the campaign is to increase awareness among fishers, hikers, and travelers about the threat posed by the parasite and how everyone can help prevent its spread.
Gyrodactylus salaris is one of the most serious diseases threatening Atlantic salmon, and its spread into river systems such as the Teno and Näätämö could cause significant ecological and economic damage. The parasite spreads easily via fish, water, and wet equipment, which is why the campaign emphasizes the careful drying or disinfection of gear (boats, canoes, fishing equipment, etc.) before entering Upper Lapland. Transporting live fish or baitfish from other parts of Finland to Upper Lapland is generally prohibited, and dead fish brought from the south must not be rinsed in Upper Lapland waters during cleaning.
The Our Precious Transboundary Waters project is funded by the EU’s Interreg Aurora programme and the Regional Council of Lapland. Additional funding for the videos has been provided by Metsähallitus.
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Salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris
Youtube: Kalastuskanava