The fishing of helpers started again on Lake Saimaa – over the years 350 pups have been born to helpers

With the help of aids, the mortality of Saimaa ringed seal pups has been significantly reduced.

Last week, the knocking of helpless rabbits into the breeding areas of the Saimaa ringed seal began. During the week, about 40 stacks were made, and the aim is to stack about 250 stacks for the seals.

The ice has thickened to more than 20 centimetres in places and there has been good snowfall. This week’s forecast is for mild weather with some rain in places.

– Hopefully not all the snow will melt away and the weather will freeze soon.

According to Alakoski, auxiliaries have been comprehensively demolished in the entire Saimaa area, for example in Kolovedi, Haukivedi, Pihlajavedi and southern Saimaa.

Apukinos has been the shelter of hundreds of cuckoos

The hatching of auxiliary nests started in 2014. Statistically, it has had a significant effect on the reduction of chick mortality, especially in mild winters. Half of the cinemas have been used by the Saimaa norpa as sleeping or nesting nests.

– More than 350 children have used auxiliary clothes as protection.

The Norppa population is still small, but growing. According to Alakoski, the most significant factors of the increase are fishing restrictions and auxiliary fishing.

Cubs are born in February-March over several weeks. The critical times for puppies continue from birth to weaning and the departure of the ice.

– It would be important for the mother to have that time to breastfeed in peace and for Kuutti to get stronger.

In particular, the northern shores of islets and islands should be explored a little further during critical times.

The nest density maps of the Saimaa norpa found on Metsähallitus’ website show the areas where nests are most likely and densest.

– If only in those areas we could avoid moving around beach cinemas.

The Saimaa fur seal is one of the world’s rarest seals and is highly endangered. Its protection began in 1979.