Laplands rivers flowing from the high glaciers of the western mountains down to the Baltic plain, its lakes, wetlands and forests define the physical essence of the area. A long history of use, particularly for floating logs to the sea in the past, have altered the rivers and some are dammed. Even the undammed rivers have been substantially altered and a variety of anthropogenic factors have negatively impacted fish migration. Rivers such as the 210 kilometre-long Råne and 400 kilometre-long Pite today witness annual runs of salmon and sea trout that are far less than their natural carrying capacity.

Working alongside Norbotten County and fishing associations on the Råne and Pite rivers, Rewilding Sweden has worked to boost fish populations, removing artificial obstacles, returning boulders to the river bottom (that were removed for log floating) and restoring spawning grounds. Sonar based counting monitors the effectiveness of such action. Current work is focused on the Abramsåm River where survey and community consultation is underway to prepare environmental impact assessments for future restoration.

Linked to the restoration of rivers is the restoration of the wetlands flanking those rivers, especially the peatland systems that regulate water flows and store vast amounts of carbon.

In Sweden’s first-ever fishing management system, the Råne River Fishing Association – a collection of 275 landowners that rents fishing rights – now employs a strict catch-and-release policy, and has imposed a complete ban on fishing in the river at certain times of the year. A similar approach has been taken on the Pite, which is renowned for its salmon, sea trout and grayling.

Together with river restoration, Rewilding Sweden is exploring new nature-based business opportunities, providing support to enterprises involved in fishing and otter watching on the lower Råne. By collaborating with Sami communities to develop wildlife watching businesses and guided reindeer tourism, the Rewilding Sweden team and partners are working to grow a local nature-based economy and reduce human-wildlife conflict. Raising Sami income from wildlife watching will hopefully contribute to greater acceptance and protection of local wild nature, including an increased tolerance of the presence of large carnivores.