HELCOM SALAR − Project on the state of salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta) populations in rivers flowing to the Baltic Sea

Project aim

The aim of the project is to make an inventory and classification of the historical and existing Baltic rivers with salmon and/or sea trout populations and suggest measures for restoration plans and active conservation for selected wild salmon river populations, as adopted in the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP).

The project will compile and analyze data on the state of and pressures on salmon and sea trout populations, the quality of river waters and reproduction habitats as well as the possibilities for salmonid passage in rivers. The project will provide a classification of salmon and sea trout rivers based on agreed criteria and the compiled information.

The project is funded through a co-financing agreement between the European Commission (DG MARE) and HELCOM.

Project outcomes and use

The major outcome of the project will be recommendations and prioritization of measures in the rivers that are needed for the improvement of the status of salmon and sea trout populations. The sea trout populations in the Baltic rivers have as yet not been the subject of a common project. The project is groundbreaking also in that it offers a holistic view on the state of salmon and sea trout in the Baltic rivers and identifies the measures needed for their recovery and development. This will allow for the development of international and national programs for the funding and systematic realization of these actions.

The Contracting Parties to HELCOM will use the results of the project as a basis when implementing the actions of the HELCOM BSAP concerning salmonids and other actions for the recovery and development of salmon and sea trout populations. The BSAP actions are the identification of at least ten endangered/threatened wild salmon populations and their conservation and the introduction of native salmon populations in at least four potential salmon rivers. Other important actions are the development of restoration plans for migratory fish and measures to promote sustainable fisheries and the strengthening of salmon and sea trout populations.

How the goals are achieved

The work will be based on the best available data from the fisheries and environment administrations in the Contracting States. The Contracting States have nominated national experts responsible for gathering, analyzing and submitting data for the project. The nominated experts at the Project’s kick-off meeting in Helsinki on 27-28 January have agreed on a questionnaire and response template to be used in a data enquiry.

The final data compilation, analyses and drafting of the report and recommendations will be carried out by the HELCOM Secretariat. In order to avoid duplication and to make use of existing knowledge and activities, the scientific work will be carried out in coordination with work carried out in the relevant ICES working group. This is also ensured by the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute (FGFRI), which in the capacity as a contracted third party gives advice for the project. A similar role is foreseen for the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).

Interim project outcomes and draft reports will be considered by the HELCOM Baltic Fisheries and Environmental Forum and reported to HELCOM Nature Protection and Biodiversity Group (HELCOM HABITAT) and other HELCOM bodies.

Project schedule

The project will be carried out within 11 months starting in January 2010. Following the kick-off meeting the nominated experts have commenced with the work of compiling, analyzing and submitting data. The data will be processed in the HELCOM Secretariat followed by drafting of the report. The draft report will be prepared for consultation during the Fall 2010.

The final report will be published in the HELCOM’s Baltic Sea Environment Proceedings (BSEP) and relevant maps showing the main results will be displayed on the HELCOM web site.

Further information

Mr. Orian Bondestam, Fisheries Adviser
Email: orian.bondestam@helcom.fi
Skype name: helcom46

Ms. Miia Mannerla, Project Researcher
Email: miia.mannerla@helcom.fi
Phone: +358 (0)400 459 349
Fax: +358 (0) 207 412 645
Skype name: helcom81