lõhe

Lõhe is the Estonian name for the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), a large anadromous fish native to the North Atlantic. It spends most of its adult life in the sea and returns to freshwater rivers to spawn, often migrating many hundreds of kilometers upriver.

Life cycle and biology: Lõhe begins life as eggs laid in gravel nests in clean, well-oxygenated rivers. Eggs hatch into alevins, then develop into fry and parr. After several months to years, they become smolts and migrate downstream to the sea, where they grow to adulthood. When mature, they return to their natal rivers to spawn, often dying after the spawning run.

Habitat and distribution: Historically widespread in European rivers feeding the North Atlantic and the Baltic. In some Baltic-region rivers, wild populations have declined due to barriers, habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and fishing pressure. In Estonia, wild lõhe populations are limited, and ongoing conservation measures focus on protecting habitats, maintaining river connectivity, and carefully regulating fishing. Restocking programs with hatchery-reared juveniles are used in some rivers to support populations.

Fisheries and aquaculture: Lõhe is harvested commercially and by recreational fishers. Management typically includes quotas, seasonal closures, and size limits to protect spawning fish. Global supply increasingly depends on aquaculture, though domestic production varies by country. In Estonia, most consumer lõhe comes from imports or regional markets, with ongoing efforts to balance conservation and sustainable use.

Nutrition and culinary uses: Lõhe is valued for high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is widely eaten smoked, gravlaxed, grilled, baked, or canned. In Estonian cuisine, lõhe is a common feature at meals and festive occasions.