The underwater nature of Ruissalo
The island of Ruissalo is located right next to the mainland, in the inner part of the extensive Archipelago Sea. Despite the proximity of the mainland, the expansive Airisto lends the island a distinctly maritime appearance; the open sea stretches for nearly 20 kilometres south-west from the tip of Ruissalo, all the way to the island of Seili. In addition to expansive, Airisto is also deep, with the water depth reaching 50 metres off the coast of Ruissalo and 90 metres further south. These are exceptional depths in the inner archipelago.
Under the surface, the flora and fauna are at their most diverse in the vicinity of the shore, in the shallows. In these areas there is plenty of sunlight, warmth and nutrients for various types of algae and vascular plants. They are responsible for primary production, providing both food and shelter to sea creatures big and small.
As regards fish, the coastal waters of Ruissalo are home to typical Finnish species, such as pike, perch, zander, common bream, roach and Baltic herring. Here you can also spot grey seals fishing in the waters.
