Fish stocking research programme 2006-2012

The aim of this programme is to study the productivity of fish stocking and factors affecting it. Solutions are also being developed to promote the reconciliation of releases, fishing and the conservation of stocks, and enhance the profitability of stockings. The results of the programme will improve the conditions for professional and recreational fishing and aquaculture as a livelihood.

Sea trout are released early in the spring, sometimes even under ice cover. Photo: Ari Saura

Goals of the programme

The research programme focuses on releases of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta) smolts, which have both suffered from a long-term decline in stocking results. Whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) releases in the Baltic Sea are also being studied. Three principal factors affect the results of Atlantic salmon and sea trout smolt releases. During the past 10-15 years, there have been significant changes in each of these factors that correlate with the declining release results.

- The quality of released smolt

- The marine environment

- The amount and structure of fishing

A key goal of the programme is to find out which of these factors best explain the declining stocking results and thus to understand how to enhance the productivity of stocking in the most effective way.

Scientist in charge of project

Matti Salminen
Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute
Viikinkaari 4, P.O. Box 2
FI-00791 Helsinki
Tel. +358205751 257
e-mail: firstname.lastname@rktl.fi

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