The project will prepare technical design documents for the Pöyrynkoski dam removal, a plan for other actions for the in-stream restoration of the Pöyrynkoski rapid area, and a plan of actions to ensure all possible preparatory measures for a new water permit are completed.
The Siikajoki River is the 12th largest catchment area in Finland, covering 4,318 km². The Pöyrynkoski restoration project is situated 17 km from the sea, where there is a hydropower plant and a 270-metre-wide dam currently owned and operated by a private hydropower company.
| Project status | Live |
|---|---|
| Project type | Dam removal: pre-demolition |
| Country | Finland |
| River | Siikajoki |
| Focal species | Critically endangered Sea Trout, vulnerable Atlantic Salmon, critically endangered Baltic Whitefish, and near-threatened Lamprey |
| Organisation | Siikajoki Vapaaksi RY |
| Website | siikajokivapaaksi.com |
The Siikajoki River and its tributaries have been known since the 16th century for their excellent fisheries and habitat for migratory species. The Pöyrynkoski restoration project has been identified by Finland’s fisheries management as a mandatory action to revive migratory species populations. It will have a significant positive impact on Pöyrynkoski and the Siikajoki watershed, including increased spawning areas for vulnerable Atlantic salmon, critically endangered sea trout, critically endangered whitefish, and near-threatened lamprey.
The Siikajoki catchment area will not only experience ecological improvements resulting from the removal of the Pöyrynkoski barrier, but will also see increased community engagement. With strong support from local communities, this initiative will inspire long-term conservation efforts for the river and its surrounding environment. In the Siikajoki watershed, there is ongoing and extensive collaboration to improve the status of water bodies, including measures to improve water quality, rapid restorations, catchment area restorations, environmental flow projects, and removal of migration barriers.
The Pöyrynkoski dam is the lowest migration barrier in this watershed, preventing the migration of fish species such as Atlantic salmon, sea trout, whitefish, and other aquatic organisms to the upper parts of the river. The removal of the Pöyrynkoski dam is an exceptional project due to its scale (270-metre-wide dam, 6.5 hectares of restored rapid areas) and its ecological value by enabling these vulnerable species to recover. In total, 128 km of river will be opened up for migratory fish and tributaries.
Funded by
