Published on: 2.9.2021

Information produced by Finnish Environment Institute

Wise recreational use of waters

Recreational use of waters is getting more popular and finding new forms. For recreational purposes, it is important that lakes, rivers and the sea remain in good condition. We can all influence the well-being of waters when using them.

While the importance of waters for Finnish people’s livelihoods has declined, their recreational use has become more popular than ever. Many tourism enterprises also tap the possibilities offered by lakes, rivers and the sea.

There are over half a million holiday homes in Finland, most of them on shores and the coast, and many new summer houses are equipped to the same standard as permanent dwellings. The greater numbers of flushable toilets, washing machines and other appliances that use water have increased water pollution from holiday homes. This problem has been tackled by means of wastewater regulations for sparsely populated areas, as correct treatment of wastewater helps to keep local waters cleaner.

Water pollution generated by boating and passenger ships is today less significant. Septic tank discharge points are used actively, there are fewer fuel and oil leaks, and anti-fouling paints for boat bottoms have been banned in lakes and rivers.

In addition to any emissions into water, attention should be paid to physical damage and disturbance of habitats and species caused by recreational use. Active construction along shorelines and coasts as well as dredging destroy shore habitats. Fish traps may catch aquatic birds if they are not placed correctly, and rubbish left on the shore is an eyesore and produces microplastics as it disintegrates. Abandoned fishing lines and nets cause injuries to wild animals.

Busy waterborne traffic and fast pleasure boats and water scooters, in particular, may disturb the nesting of aquatic birds, and the wakes generated by vessels erode shore vegetation. A considerate holiday-maker protects the aquatic environment and thinks of the other users of the waters.

Image: © Hannu Rämä, Vastavalo