Unstable winter conditions make it difficult for seals to nest. In order to protect the breeding peace, local volunteers have set up auxiliary pile-drivers in the Saimaa area.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Saimaa ringed seal’s breeding peace.
An unstable winter makes it more difficult for endangered seals to nest. Volunteer-driven potholes create more favourable conditions for the breeding season.
Human activity also disturbs the seals’ nesting peace. Last week Yle reported on an incident where a snowmobile had been driven over a Saimaa ringed seal nest under construction.
The auxiliary training sessions have now been completed. WWF declares a nesting peace for the Saimaa norpa on February 16, 2023.
A total of 22 artificial nests have also been taken to different areas of Saimaa this year by the University of Eastern Finland. Floating artificial nests have been placed in a wider area than before.