Entering Seal Reserves
Entering seal reserves is forbidden year-round in an area within half a nautical mile (926 m) of islets and groups of islets marked on reserve maps, if boaters do not have Metsähallitus permits. Boaters are allowed within reserves as long as they stay half a nautical mile from islets during the period 16.6.–31.1. At other times boaters need a Metsähallitus permit to enter any part of a reserve.
Boating is allowed within seal reserves without a Metsähallitus permit, if you stay on official ship lanes. Officials monitoring sea areas, in charge of search and rescue activities and maintenance of safety equipment are allowed within reserves without a Metsähallitus permit.
Additionally there is a route through Sandkallan-Stora Kölhällen seal reserve along which the public can travel. Mastbådan seal reserve and Grimsörarna seal reserve (Archipelago National Park) as well as Möyly seal reserve (Perämeri National Park) share a boundary with a National Park. Rules on entering areas, within the National Parks, which are near seal islets, are outlined in the parks’ rules and regulations.
Fishing and Hunting
Professional fishermen are allowed to practice their trade in reserves, if they stay at least half a nautical mile (926 m) from islets or groups of islets marked on reserve maps and as long as they use troll fishing techniques, thin threaded nets or fish traps which seals cannot get trapped in. Hunting is completely forbidden in all parts of seal reserves.
Kallbådan
There is a lighthouse within Kallbådan seal reserve which can be used according to the area’s management plan for other purposes than the usual ones which include monitoring of sea areas, search and rescue purposes and maintenance of safety equipment and management of water routes. The plan was drawn up by Metsähallitus and ratified by the Ministry of the Environment. Other seal reserves can also have management plans drawn up for them, if need arises.
C-Trek arranges seal safaris
C-Trek is a company arranging e.g. seal safaris. The company has an agreement on co-operation with Metsähallitus and a permit to enter the Kallbådan seal reserve. The compay is committed to the principles for sustainable nature tourism.
More information: C-Trek Oy Ltd (www.c-trek.net)