Kesko Oyj : Mating Belongs to All campaign produces tangible results as kilometres of spawning ground is opened up for endangered migratory fish
December 11, 2017 at 10:04 am EST
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In August 2017, K Group and WWF initiated a multi-year collaboration to save endangered migratory fish in Finland. Already, the campaign has produced tangible positive results. During the autumn, nine barriers blocking fish passage were removed from rivers and streams around Finland, and 40 new spawning beds were created. The collaboration will continue and expand in 2018.
The situation is dire for Finnish migratory fish as barriers in rivers and streams block their passage to suitable spawning grounds. As a result, the sea trout, for example, is now even more endangered than the Saimaa ringed seal. K Group and WWF Finland joined forces this autumn to the help the fish, mapping out and removing unnecessary structures such as culverts that prevent migratory fish from rising upstream. They also hope to increase awareness about Finnish migratory fish.
"During the autumn, we removed nine structures that were blocking passage and thus gave migratory fish access to dozens of kilometres of new living and spawning grounds. The best moment was in Imatra, where the volunteers were still at work when the first trout swam up past the removed barrier," says Liisa Rohweder, Secretary General of WWF Finland.
The work is carried out in collaboration with local organisations and agencies, landowners, K-retailers and volunteers. An encouraging number of volunteers showed up for the first event, and almost 400 people from around the country have now signed up for volunteer work via the campaign page.
"Volunteers have been doing this important work for some time now. It has been great to witness first-hand this autumn the strong commitment to volunteer work in Finland. As the most sustainable trading sector company in the world and a responsible seller of fish, we want to invite all Finns to take part in the work to save our endangered migratory fish," says Matti Kalervo, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at K Group.
Sites for 2018 currently being mapped out
The work slows down at the end of autumn due to the natural cycle of migratory fish. For example, Finnish trout spawn in October and November, and the flowing rivers and streams need to be protected from any unnecessary disruptions. Work will resume again at the end of next summer, on an even wider scale. Volunteers can already sign up to help and landowners can suggest sites on their property where barrier removal is needed at Kesko.fi/kalapolut.
"During the winter, we will choose which sites to restore next summer and plan the work. Local organisations and agencies, K-retailers, and private citizens have already provided many suggestions for suitable sites, but we happily welcome more," says Elina Erkkilä, Conservation Officer at WWF Finland.
K Group and WWF's K Fishpaths project - first autumn in figures:
7 events: K Group and WWF took part in seven restoration events in Inkoo, Suomusjärvi, Tuusniemi, Helsinki, Imatra, Luumäki and Perniö. See all autumn 2017 events at Kesko.fi/kalapolut. Local organisations and agencies, which have been doing valuable work for fish passage for years, had a crucial role also at these events.
9 barriers blocking passage were removed during the autumn, including culverts and small damns no longer in use.
20 kilometres of new habitat suitable for spawning has been opened up for endangered migratory fish by the removal of unnecessary barriers.
40 spawning beds for fish were created in rivers and streams.
383 people have signed up so far to volunteer to help endangered migratory fish. To join them, go to Kesko.fi/kalapolut.
Kesko Oyj published this content on 11 December 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 11 December 2017 15:03:10 UTC.
Original documenthttps://www.kesko.fi/en/media/news-and-releases/news/2017/mating-belongs-to-all-campaign-produces-results/
Public permalinkhttp://www.publicnow.com/view/6CCE57422B978DFF22A10075FDA550AC7B96ABA6
Kesko Oyj is the leading wholesaler and retailer in Finland. Net sales break down by family of products as follows:
- grocery and convenience goods (53.8%; K-retailer; No. 2 in Finland): owned 1,208 supermarkets and stores under the names K-citymarket, K-supermarket, K-Market, Neste K., etc.;
- building, home improvement, DIY and gardening products (35.6%): building materials, interior design materials, gardening products, household appliances, furniture, etc. distributed via 483 outlets primarily under the Onninen, K-rauta, K-Bygg, Byggmakker, Byggarnas Partner and Carlsen Fritzøe brands;
- automotive (10.6%; K-Auto): cars (Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, CUPRA, Porsche, Bentley and MAN brands), spare parts and original accessories marketed through 49 outlets in Finland. The group also offers leisure and sports goods (owned 62 stores under the Intersport and Budget Sport names).
Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: Finland (82.4%), Nordic countries (13.7%), Baltic countries (1.1%) and other (2.8%).
KESKO OYJ 
