Browsing by Subject "kala--käyttö"

Aims. Finland can be described as a land of thousands of lakes. Fishing has been an important source of livelihood since the early days of settlement. However many structural changes in the society, as urbanization and industrialism, have effected the fishing culture. Migration from the rural areas brought fishing to cities, where it became a popular leisure activity. Besides self-sufficiency, also recreation has become a central reason to fish. The aim of this thesis is to look what kind of relationship is established with nature while fishing in the urban environment. Further the study attempts to explain, what kind of characteristic features fishing culture has in the city, specially Helsinki area, and which elements of sustainable development can be recognized in it. Finally this thesis asks, what kind of material and immaterial benefits one can earn by practicing recreational fishing in Helsinki. Methods. The data of this qualitative study was collected with focused interviews during late autumn 2014 in popular fishing spots of Helsinki. In total 13 local recreational fishers participated in the research, of who majority were men. The data was analysed with qualitative content analysis. The theoretical framework of this study was relying on the cultural ecological theory and viewpoints offered by the literary sources and previous research. Results and conclusions. It was found out that one could be self-sufficient in terms of fish in Helsinki, and enjoy a varied selection of self-caught fish food throughout the year. However, successful fishing in city requires a great commitment and high knowledge of fish waters. Motives behind fishing were not only material. Besides the fish itself, also social, recreational and natural aspects were significant purposes for fishing. Interviewees named mental and physical well-being as key benefits alongside the more measurable goods, like the actual catch. Surprisingly informants defined Helsinki as a brilliant fishing area. Maritime location and infrastructures of the town offered easy access to various fishing spots. This made the relationship with nature rather unique. The social features of sustainable fishing were particularly visible in the fishing culture of Helsinki.