Karsholm's Pike Factory

The initiator's program declaration

My name is Ruben Renhed, I am 15 years old and have my summer house at Karsholm in Stockholm's archipelago. What I find interesting about the island is that there is a large swamp that borders two fine shallow reed bays. In the spring, the entire swamp is flooded with about 20-40 cm of water. There is a ditch about 400 m long that starts up on the island and flows all the way down to the swamp. In the spring, the entire ditch is flooded and rainwater literally rushes straight down into the swamp. I believe this area could become an exciting fish conservation project, a breeding area for fish.

The idea is to dig a channel and create a small shallow pond where fish, focusing on perch and pike, can spawn and lay their eggs. At Karsholm, we have now formed the Karsholm Fish Conservation Association with the goal of finding funding to dig a channel and a pond. We have obtained expert opinions, preliminary quotes for excavation, and necessary land agreements.

Ripples on the water

Ruben Renhed, with support from adult islanders and together with a local entrepreneur, created a breeding area for fish that contributes to the preservation of the threatened predatory fish stocks in the Baltic Sea.

The project has further stimulated other young people to believe in their ideas and dare to take their own initiatives to improve the situation of fish and the environment in the archipelago. The project was filmed and can thus further contribute to an increased interest in conservation projects. It can also strengthen young people's connection to nature and encourage more young people to dare to realize their own ideas.

The project also contributes to increased social cohesion on the island thanks to the collective effort towards an important goal.

A winning concept

In 2026, Karsholms Gäddfabrik was named Young Leader Project of the Year. The award ceremony took place at the national Leader meeting in Sunne.

The jury's motivation:

”With youthful drive, great commitment, and a strong will to make a difference, the winner of Årets Young Leader project has quickly gone from idea to concrete results. Through voluntary efforts, creativity, and small resources, the project has created lasting values and laid the foundation for long-term commitment for the future.”