Whitefish roasted. Hannibal Rhoades, used with permission
Co-organised by Interreg Nord Summer Whitefish and Snowchange Cooperative, the Festival of Northern Fishing Traditions has wrapped up successfully in Tornio, Finland. Over 150 small-scale and Indigenous fishermen around the world joined forces to discuss climate change, traditional knowledge, governance and direct exchanges on common challenges.
Fishtrap out in the Perämeri
As reported by for example Gaia Foundation, Northern Forum and Low Impact Fishermen of Europe the event specifically addressed the need for recognition of traditional ecological
Nuunoq and Vladimir seining in Sevettijärvi. Hannibal Rhoades
knowledge and voices of the small-scale and Indigenous fishermen in governance, monitoring and management of fish stocks globally.
Over 20 participants took part in a field trip to Skolt Sámi area, where co-management project leader Pauliina Feodoroff and restoration specialist Janne Raassina guided the guests to the Vainosjoki restoration. Juha, Vladimir and Veikko Feodoroff took
Pauliina Feodoroff outlines the restoration project principles. Hannibal Rhoades
the guests seining for whitefish on lake Sevettijärvi.
Meanwhile in Tornio an EU workshop was under way – CHERISH project brought together eigth EU regions to discuss the cultural heritage of fisheries with field trips out to Perämeri National Park and island of Selkäsarvi. Mats Innala demostrated the push-up fishtraps for whitefish.
Nuunuq from Greenland observes Näätämö river at Skoltfossen. Hannibal Rhoades, used with permission
Festival itself contained a seminar day with all regions presenting on friday. On saturday participants went dip netting for whitefish and seining on river Tornio, as can be seen on this video.
Cultural, artenasal and Indigenous fisheries are the lifeline for food security, climate survival and traditional knowledge globally.
Mats Innala with whitefish
The festival sent a strong message that a reform is needed if we are to survive the 21st century challenges faced by these communities. 2020 Festival will continue building on this in Khanty-Mansia, Siberia.
The Festival was made possible by generous support of the participating fishing communities, Snowchange Cooperative,
Juha Feodoroff, a Skolt Sámi fisherman, relaxes during the Festival. Hannibal Rhoades
Gerth, Pavariak and Hugu at Festival.
Interreg Summer Whitefish, CHERISH Interreg Europe, NEFCO, Nordic Council of Ministers, Gaia Foundation, the Northern Forum and many other donors and supporters. Heartfelt thank you to you all!
Whitefish ladders on Kukkolankoski. Hannibal Rhoades