Delayed Ferry Relocation in Oulu Due to Protected Bird Nests
The relocation of two ferries from Oulu to Turku, which ceased operations a month ago following the opening of Finland’s longest causeway, remains delayed due to protected house martin nests. The birds, which have nested on the ferries for decades, are preventing the transfer as both active and empty nests are legally protected under Finnish wildlife regulations.
Finferries, the company responsible for the ferries, has applied for an exceptional permit from the Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) to remove the nests, as their relocation would render the nests unusable for the birds next summer. House martins are known to return to the same nesting sites annually. Yle reports that while the nesting period has concluded, it remains unclear whether fledged chicks are still using the nests for roosting.
Jussi Mäkitalo, Traffic Manager at Finferries, stated that a bird expert will inspect the nests in the coming days. He expects the permit could be granted by LVV either this week or next. The delay has also halted the dismantling of the ferry shore’s dock and harbor structures (Yle).
Concerns Over Newly Hatched Chicks
The situation has raised concerns among local residents, particularly regarding the fate of barn swallow chicks that have hatched in the ferry structures. An eyewitness told MTV Uutiset that the ferries were initially scheduled for relocation earlier, but the presence of protected swallows caused delays. The witness expressed alarm over plans to move the ferries immediately, despite the presence of new chicks, which could perish if the nests are disturbed.
The eyewitness criticized the perceived urgency, suggesting that the relocation should wait until the end of September, when the birds migrate and the nests would be empty. The issue has sparked local discussion, with residents advocating for a more cautious approach to avoid harming the chicks (MTV Uutiset).
Historical Nesting on Ferries
Bird enthusiast Petri Hottola told Yle that house martins have nested on the Oulu-Hailuoto ferries for nearly as long as the 60-year ferry service operated. The ferries were taken out of service on 29 June after the completion of the new Hailuoto causeway, which now provides a permanent road connection between Oulu and Hailuoto.
Finferries had not anticipated the legal complications posed by the empty nests, which remain protected even after the nesting season. The company is now navigating the permitting process to proceed with the relocation while complying with wildlife protection laws.