Pacific Salmon invading the fjords

Summary

Jen-Erik Henriksen, Stephan Dudeck and Ida Hydle recently spoke with local fishers, researchers, and government officials in the Deatnu/Tana River and Varanger Fjord areas.

Their research looks at how different groups understand and manage the native Atlantic salmon and the newly arriving Pacific salmon.

They focus on the growing presence of Pacific salmon and the differing views on government fishing policies in rivers and fjords. These policies often conflict with traditional Sámi knowledge and practices.

A major issue is the government’s legal duty to consult the Sámi people. One controversial part of the policy is the use of salmon traps in rivers, set up by the Ministry of Climate and Environment.