Fishers on the Käsivarsi, in the middle of Change
Original version in Finnish published in newspaper Tunturi-Lappi
Written by Minna Turunen, Helena Syrjänen, Hannah Strauss-Mazzullo
Lapin yliopisto, Arktinen keskus
In the winter of 2026, fishers in northern Arm of Finnish Lapland, Käsivarsi region were interviewed about the impacts of climate and environmental change, adaptation to these changes, and the sustainability of fishing as part of the international, multidisciplinary FROST project funded by NordForsk. In Finland, the research focuses on Lakes Kilpisjärvi and Muddusjärvi and is being conducted by the University of Lapland and the University of Helsinki. Researchers from the University of Lapland are responsible for interviewing the fishers, while Professor Kimmo Kahilainen is in charge of the aquatic and fish studies. The results of the research will be published in scientific and popular science publications, as well as in a documentary film and an exhibition.
Changing Fish Stocks and Aquatic Environment
According to fishers, ice now forms later and melts earlier on Lake Kilpisjärvi. The formation of ice has also changed: there is less clear ice than before. For example, in April 2026, the ice was 83 centimeters thick, consisting of two layers of slush ice and one layer of water. Light penetrates through the slush ice into the water much less than it does through clear ice. These changes make winter fishing more difficult and may increase the risk of accidents. Fishers consider Lake Kilpisjärvi to be relatively resilient to climate change thanks to its large size, currents, high elevation, and clear water. In contrast, shallow fell lakes can warm up quickly, even though deep, cold basins and clear water currently provide shelter for fish.
According to fishers, no major changes in the fish stocks of Lake Kilpisjärvi have been observed as a result of global warming, but whitefish and other autumn-spawning fish have moved to deeper waters. The growth of construction and tourism in the village of Kilpisjärvi is causing concern among fishers and raising questions about water quality and the adequacy of wastewater treatment. Some fishers have moved or plan to move their fishing operations to the mountain lakes of Käsivarsi, despite the long distance from village. On the other hand, some of those who fish in the mountain lakes are concerned about the survival and recovery of fish—especially Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and brown trout (Salmo trutta)—in the shallower mountain lakes, which warm up in the summer.
Downstream of Lake Kilpisjärvi (in the River stretches called “Väylä” and Könkämäeno), fish populations and habitats have changed more noticeably: the number of autumn-spawning fish has declined, and pike (Esox lucius) have become more common. Perch (Perca fluviatilis) and roach (Rutilus rutilus) have also been observed. Test fishing shows an increase in perch in several lakes downstream of Kilpisjärvi. In Kelottijärvi, warm water has already caused fish deaths; during hot summers, nets must be checked at least every three hours.
Eutrophication and the spread of aquatic vegetation are problematic in many sites. Fishers living along the watercourse believe that the increased presence of perfoliate pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus)—in spoken language known as “perch grass”—hinders the development of fish eggs laid on gravel bottoms. Boating was described as difficult because the perch grass get stuck in engine propel. The growing number of swans is also perceived to be altering water bodies in areas south of Lake Kilpisjärvi.
Fishing Pressure Threatens the Grayling Population
According to fishers, local fishing in Käsivarsi is largely sustainable: after a large catch, fishing can be scaled back for a long time. The greatest concerns relate to the grayling population in the River Könkämäeno, which declined sharply due to increased fishing pressure following the pandemic. Fishers question the suitability of catch-and-release fishing in warming waters, particularly for salmonids.
Net fishing is on the decline, while ice fishing is becoming more common
Both winter and summer net fishing are on the decline, particularly among young people. In winter ice rod and line fishing—considered an easy activity—has grown in popularity. The net fishers who participated in the interviews are concerned about the loss of net fishing skills. They see the easy availability of store-bought fish as one reason for the declining interest in passive fishing methods. The migration of young people away from village also reduces the continuity of traditional fishing. Net and seine fishing are important for the management of fish stocks and household self-sufficiency. The end of seine fishing on Lake Siilasjärvi was cited as an example of a lost seine fishing culture.
Net fishers continue to demonstrate a strong understanding of nature and an ability to infer changes occurring in the environment of the fish they catch. Many fishers analyze the food found in the stomachs of caught fish or can distinguish differences in behavior and sensitivity among different fish species. The fishers’ observations of changes in the environment are considered valuable information in the project.
Fishers Call for More Research
Fishers are calling for research into the effects of the growing village of Kilpisjärvi on the aquatic environment, such as the accumulation of nutrients and harmful compounds and their impact on the food chain. They also hope for a study on the causes of fluctuations in whitefish stocks and monitoring for harmful substances.
In the water samples analyzed so far as part of the project, the nutrient levels in Lake Kilpisjärvi have corresponded to the classification of a nutrient-poor and clear lake. The whitefish stocks are recovering, and Lake Kilpisjärvi has a large number of small whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus), 15–20 centimeters in length, as the previously abundant 2002 and 2003 year classes are now disappearing from the catch. In Lake Kilpisjärvi, the populations of grayling, burbot, and pike have increased compared to the results of test fishing in previous years.
