Metsähallitus to decide on rescue operations for endangered freshwater mussels in Hukkajoki, Suomussalmi

Metsähallitus is set to decide this afternoon whether to continue the rescue operations for endangered freshwater mussels, known as “raakut,” in Hukkajoki, Suomussalmi, during the weekend. The agency informed STT via email about the situation. Reports indicate that thousands of these mussels may have perished after forest machinery operated by Stora Enso crushed them at the logging site.

Earlier in the week, the restoration team from Metsähallitus began emergency efforts to save the critically endangered mussels by relocating them upstream in the river. However, the agency assessed this morning that it may be impossible to move all of the mussels.

Biologists captured footage of the heavy machinery crossing the protected river, which has now prompted a police investigation into the incident as a serious violation of nature protection laws.