Project title

Recovery and conservation of Atlantic salmon populations in rivers of the White Sea drainage basin, promotion of licensed fisheries and water eco-tourism.

Priority

1. Communications

1.1 Transportation, logistics and transport infrastructure

1.2 Access to information society

2. Strengthen sustainable economic development

2.1 Sustainable use of nature and natural resources

2.2 Business innovation and development of human resources

3. Community development

3.1 Household related service provision

3.2 Public management and spatial planning

Region / Authority

Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences

Contact person

Mr. Evgueny Ieshko

E-mail

ieshko@krc.karelia.ru

Homepage

Address

11 Pushkinskaya St., Petrozavodsk, 185610, Karelia, Russia

Phone

(814 2) 78 00 59

Fax

(814 2) 76 96 00

Project description

In the 1970s Norwegian rivers were heavily infected with a dangerous wild salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris, which caused mass mortalities of salmon in many rivers. Despite the efforts undertaken, the parasite is still a constraint on salmon abundance in the rivers, thus lowering the attractiveness of Norwegian rivers to tourists.

In the course of studies by the Institute of Biology, Karelian Research Centre of RAS and international activities within Russian-Finnish-Norwegian collaboration projects (1992-1997) detailed and comprehensive data on the biology of Atlantic salmon inhabiting the rivers of the White Sea Karelian coast were collected. The reasons for the decline of Atlantic salmon populations in the river Keret in the past years were investigated. The main threat revealed was the parasite Gyrodactylus salaris. Juvenile salmon was nearly wiped out by the parasite, which has spread throughout Keret. This was the first find of the parasite in a new area, after its spread in Norwegian rivers.

Russian and Norwegian experts have carried out preliminary analysis of the measures required to eradicate the parasite in Keret, and to restore salmon stocks. The project will develop planning documents and budgets for construction of hydraulic and fish passage facilities, adjust them to Russian settings; carry out scientific research on river Keret; develop recommendations on possible uses of the recreational potential of the White Sea rivers to promote water eco-tourism; promote infrastructure development and involvement of local people in provision of tourist services (on-route stopping sites, campings, gear rent, etc.).

Central Aim

The central objective of the project is to take measures to completely eradicate the parasite from river Keret, thus preventing its further spread to other North European rivers. Local economic development will be enhanced by the project, since commercial salmon fishing will grow, sport and amateur fishing will be organised, local people will be involved in the development of the tourism infrastructure. Restoration of salmon stocks in the White Sea rivers will contribute to the maintenance of the North Atlantic salmon population.

Envisaged Output

We expect an invigorated local economy and new employment opportunities created. Salmon breeding will be furthered, fish and recreational resources of the White Sea rivers will be conserved and sustainably utilised.

The North Atlantic salmon population will be conserved.

Partners found already

research institutions in Finland (Fish and Game Institute, Helsinki), Norway (NINA, Trondheim)

Partners searched

institutions and foundations in Norway and Scotland

Estimated budget

about 170 000 euro