Rather quite shallow, especially around the archipelago of Haparanda and Torneå. In shallow waters like this, at a maximum depth of around one meter, the perfoliate pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus) and pond water-crowfoot (Ranunculus peltatus) reach up to the surface and create patches, sometimes impenetrable. We usually keep a look out for rocks whilst driving the boat, here it is rather the vegetation we try to avoid getting too close to.
Dense “forests” of perfoliate pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus). Photo by Petra Pohjola, County Administrative Board of Norrbotten.
A person standing on the bow of a boat and keeping eye on the weeds. 
Person sitting on the bow of the boat.
However much we like the underwater vegetation, there are the moments when the greens are not as appreciated… Regular stops to clean the propeller are frequent….
When working in shallow waters our stand up paddle board is invaluable to transport us longer distances over the water. Sometimes though when it gets too shallow, it is just easier to skip the board and take a good-old walk instead!
And in the end of the day we will have found out that walking – not driving – the boat is by far the best way to get back home.
Written by Linnea Bergdahl, County Administrative Board of Norrbotten
