The Fisheries Research Station in Älvkarleby

About the closure

The phasing out of operations means the release of salmon and trout into the Dalälven River will be significantly reduced.

Here you will find answers to common questions regarding the closure.

About the Fisheries Research Station in Älvkarleby

The station has previously produced around 130,000 salmon and trout annually for release into the Dalälven River. It has long served to increase knowledge of fish and aquaculture among professionals and the public alike. Courses on tagging techniques and animal ethics (with a focus on fish) were also held here, led by experienced and knowledgeable staff.

Research facilities

The station offered excellent opportunities for research and experimentation. While research was conducted under SLU’s management, guest researchers from other institutions and companies were also welcomed.

The Bäckrummet (“Stream Room”) enabled studies of juvenile and smaller fish species. The Experimentbäcken (“Experimental Stream”), completed in 1996, allowed research in artificial stream environments.

Field facilities at Hyttön and the experimental river at Kungsådran offered access to natural ponds and river stretches. The Stream Aquarium in Älvkarleby was specially designed for studying fish in flowing water, such as spawning salmon and trout.

Fish farming

The fish farm had a production capacity of around 250,000 yearlings and 140,000 smolts, along with a hatchery capable of producing up to 2 million eggs and 1 million juveniles. Fish were released into the Dalälven and Gavleån rivers when ready to migrate to sea.

The farm was originally established to compensate for salmon and trout populations lost due to hydroelectric development in Älvkarleby. Water was sourced from the Dalälven River, and feeding systems were computer-controlled and automated. The fish farming operation also supported threatened species and contributed to biodiversity.

Breeding operations

The dam in Älvkarleby currently blocks all migrating fish in the Dalälven River. At the top of Kungsådran, near the dam, was the central fishing station where salmon and sea trout were captured for breeding. Eggs were stripped from females and fertilised with milt, producing the next generation of fish.

Breeding activities took place across three main facilities: the central fishing station, the sorting terminal, and the breeding building, where eggs were stored and collected.

Between May and September, 6–7 tonnes of fish were captured annually. Around 100–120 pairs of salmon and 50–70 pairs of trout were used for breeding.
Eels and river lampreys were also captured; eels were released upstream to support their population, while river lampreys were allowed to pass the dams to improve spawning success.