Norwegian advocate highlights challenges facing traditional net fishing in Kautokeino

Nils Morten Hætta emphasizes the diminishing prevalence of traditional net fishing practices, a skill he learned from his father. Hætta passionately advocates for the preservation of this tradition, underscoring how his father crafted nets and taught him the intricacies of fishing in the waters of Kautokeino during summer months. Previously reliant on reindeer and horses for transporting fishing gear, he laments that modern vehicle restrictions prevent him from practicing this art during critical fishing times, particularly in spring when fish like pike are abundant.

Under Norway’s existing motorized traffic laws, fishing in rural waterways is restricted until July, complicating the logistics of traditional net fishing. Hætta explains that without legal allowances, such as using reindeer for transport, carrying the necessary equipment becomes impractical.

There are proposals under review to modify these motor vehicle restrictions, aiming to enhance local governance and reduce bureaucracy while safeguarding nature and outdoor recreational activities. The Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment is keen to gather public input on these changes, which may allow for better rights for indigenous peoples and improved access to traditional fishing sites.

However, Hætta voices concerns over the lack of protections for resident Sámi compared to reindeer herders, stressing that this disparity could undermine their ability to continue traditional practices. The Sámi heritage of fishing and hunting is positioned as not unique enough to warrant legal protection under new frameworks. As discussions progress, Hætta is hopeful for the future of net fishing and is organizing workshops to teach younger generations this traditional skill, hoping to avert its disappearance.