Valaanpyynti

Valaanpyynti refers to the traditional method of fishing for Baltic herring in the Baltic Sea, primarily practiced in Finland. This ancient technique has been used for centuries, with the first written records dating back to the 16th century. The name "valaanpyynti" is derived from the Finnish words "vala" meaning "Baltic herring" and "pyynti" meaning "fishing".

The traditional valaanpyynti method involves the use of a special type of net, known as the "valaanetsi". This net is designed specifically for catching Baltic herring, which are abundant in the waters of the Baltic Sea. The nets are thrown into the water, and the fishermen wait for the herring to swim into the net, getting trapped in its mesh. The nets are usually operated in pairs, with one net serving as a scoop, driving the herring towards the other net.

Valaanpyynti has been criticized for its potential environmental impact and the limited catch quotas imposed by local authorities have reduced the frequency of valaanpyynti fishing. Furthermore, the method is often labor-intensive and has been subject to pressures to modernize the method. Despite these challenges, the traditional method of valaanpyynti remains an important part of Finnish cultural heritage and identity.