SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF LAKE REGULATION IN FINNISH LAKES
In Finland approximately one third of the total area of lakes is regulated, i.e. 11 000 km2. A large amount of research and development has been conducted on the regulation of watercourses during the last 15 years. Extensive studies have been undertaken in a number of large waterways to assess the ecological, social and economic impacts of lake regulation and to find ways of mitigating its harmful effects. Recommendations have been issued on water levels, discharges, fish stock management, remedial measures, information etc The impulse for this development work has been the need and willingness to modernise regulation practices which originate mainly from the 1950s-1970s. Since the Water Act was amended in 1994, it has been much easier to revise old regulations that have detrimental effects on recreational use or on the water ecosystem. This article describes the current situation and the approach adopted in lake regulation development projects in Finland The possible impacts of the Water Framework Directive on lake regulation are also discussed.