Pike Seminar

in Vaasa 25-26 September 2014

Integrating pike ecology, behaviour, and responsible recreational fishing

Pike has a wide distribution in fresh- and brackish waters in the north hemisphere where it as a top predator influences species composition, abundance and distribution of many species including its own species. Apart from its important function as a keystone species in the ecosystem, pike also plays an important role in recreational fisheries in many countries. Pike recreational fishing may also increase as the international fishing tourism develops. Ostrobothnia, on the west coast of Finland, has by its excellent pike fishing waters been given the profile Pike Paradise. While an increased and targeted marketing of the area is undertaken to establish Ostrobothnia as a pike fishing destination abroad, it is important to consider new research findings regarding pike and pike fishing, to ensure that the fishing tourism remains sustainable and that responsible pike fishing is conducted. Well managed and viable pike populations are fundamental prerequisite for all forms of fishing. This seminar aims to bring together experts from different aspects of pike, from the ecology and behaviour to pike fishing tactics in order to increase understanding of this species and the effects of fishing as well as highlighting responsible pike fishing. The second day of the seminar offers the participants an opportunity to go pike fishing in the unique Kvarken Archipelago, the only UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Finland. The event forms part of the project ‘Next step – international pike fishing tourism’ financed by the EU’s agricultural fund for rural development, and managed by the Ostrobothnian Fisheries Association. The seminar is held in three languages through simultaneous interpretation.

SEMINAR DAY, THURSDAY 25.9 10-17:00

The seminar fee is 50 euros and includes lunch, morning and afternoon coffee/tea & snacks.


Topics and speakers

”Restoration of spawning habitats for pike”
Tobias Fränstam, Swedish Sport Fishing Association

“Catch and release from a UK fisheries perspective”
Steve Rowley, Editor-in-chief, EsoxWorld

“Effects of catch & release on the viability of pike”
Teemu Koski, Finnish Pike Association

“Catch and release fishing as a management strategy for pike”
Martin Stålhammar, Lund University

“The effect of selective fishing and the importance of large individuals within pike populations”
Joni Tiainen, University of Helsinki

“Individual variations in pike - from differences in growth to personalities”
Marina Nyqvist, Ostrobothnian Fisheries Association

“Tactical pike fishing related to pike behaviour and ecology”
Neville Fickling, Editor, Pike and Predator Magazine

“What makes you a responsible recreational fisherman?”
Juha Ojaharju, Finnish Federation of Recreational Fishing


FISHING DAY, FRIDAY 26.9 9-17:00

The price for the fishing day in Kvarken Archipelago is 100 euros and includes bus transportation from Hotel Rantasipi via Vaasa city centre to Björköby and back, fishing guiding services, boat rental, lunch and coffee/tea.

REGISTRATION BY 18th SEPTEMBER

Register to either the seminar day, fishing day or both days by email: marina.nyqvist@fishpoint.net, or phone: +358 50 527 2314. Please let us know wheter you have any food allergies or special dietary needs.

The total sum is payable by bank transfer to Österbottens Fiskarförbund. Bank: AKTIA SB, IBAN: FI44 4970 1040 0419 86, BIC: HELSFIHH. Please add "PIKE" to the message field.

Please also indicate whether you would like to eat dinner together with other participants in the evening of the 25th of September. The information is needed for the organisers to book a restaurant in advance. Everyone pays for their ordered meals and drinks at the restaurant.


ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rantasipi Tropiclandia offers the participants of the seminar rooms at special prices: single rooms 85€/day and double rooms 95€/day. Please book your room directly from the hotel, by phone +358 6 283 8000 or by e-mail: tropiclandia.rantasipi@restel.fi. For the special prices mention the booking code “HAUKI”.


For more information email: marina.nyqvist@fishpoint.net

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