Merikoski fish pass
The Merikoski fish pass, which has become a well-known and popular landmark, enables fish to migrate from the sea, past the power plant, to the upper reaches of the River Oulujoki. Salmon and other migratory fish can travel 40 kilometres from the mouth of the river to the Montta power plant as well as to the side branches of the River Oulujoki, the River Muhosjoki and the River Sanginjoki. Use of the fishpass started over 20 years ago year 2003.
From the fish pass gate, the fish migrate a distance of 750 metres, which includes 64 steps rising up to 11 metres above sea level. The challenge in planning and implementing the fish pass has been to chart this multi-stage route. After the route, the fish continue to the headrace channel of the Merikoski power plant and further to the headwaters. The fish can get back to the sea from the river along with the water that passes through the power plant. According to telemetry research and other observations, the fish are coping well with the ordeal.
There are three sections to the fish pass. The entrance opens into the old bundle driving channel next to the power plant. The middle section is the ascent groove dredged in the former riverbed of the rapids, and the final ascent is a partially landscaped section of Hupisaaret park.
In the upper reaches of the fish pass in Lasaretinsaari, next to Patosilta bridge (Lassinkallionsilta), there is an observation room with a view underwater through an aquarium window. The facility is open to the public annually at separately announced times.
The old riverbed of the Merikoski power plant
A study has been carried out on the breeding grounds of migratory fish. The study examines the potential breeding grounds of migratory fish in the Oulujoki River and examines the feasibility of proposed fishery restoration in the areas under inspection. The study is related to a wider body of work aimed at strengthening migratory fish stocks and fish cycles in the waters of the River Oulujoki.
The sites under inspection were the old riverbed of Oulun Energia’s Merikoski power plant and, in the case of Fortum, the diversion channels of the Montta, Pälli, and Nuojua power plants, the surroundings of the Utanen power plant, the old riverbeds of Jylhämä and the River Poikajoki.
Merikoski fish pass brochure
In the e-brochure, read about the history of the “red gold” of the River Oulujoki, the construction and operation of the fish pass, and how we are constantly monitoring movement through the fish pass.
Download brochure here