Heittilanteet

Heittilanteet are a type of scuba diving shipment used in Northern Europe, primarily in Finland. They consist of an underwater explosives charge, a detonator, and a firing system. The heittikone, or launcher, is responsible for shooting the explosives charge into the air or to a specific location, typically at depths around 5-10 meters.

The system is designed for catching fish and other sea creatures. The explosive charge is detonated above or near the target sea life, causing them to float towards the surface. Divers then use nets or other collection methods to gather the stunned or killed animals.

Heittilanteet have been in use on Aaland Islands, located between Sweden and Finland, at various points throughout history. They were initially used for fishing and have since been replaced by more humane and sustainable practices. Today, heittilanteet are mainly of historical and cultural interest, providing insight into traditional occupations and methods of gathering food for local communities.

Their implementation has raised concerns regarding overfishing and the potential harm caused to marine ecosystems. As a result, regulations and prohibitions on heittikone practices have been put in place in that region.

Heittilanteet are considered a relic of traditional fishing practices. While primarily used for commercial purposes, some individuals have expressed interest in reviving and preserving heittikone techniques for personal use, cultural heritage, and historic purposes.