Working together to save the Saimaa Ringed Seal in changing environment

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

Finland has two subspecies of ringed seal: Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) and Baltic ringed seal (Pusa hispida botnica). The Saimaa ringed seal is endemic to Lake Saimaa, where it is a highly-endangered species that is strictly protected under Annex IV of the Habitats Directive. The Baltic ringed seal lives in four areas of the Baltic Sea (Gulf of Bothnia, Archipelago Sea, Gulf of Finland, and Gulf of Riga) and is also protected by the Habitats Directive (Annex II and V). Both species are vulnerable to changes induced by climate change, as they are dependent on sufficient snow and ice conditions. Ringed seals give birth in snow lairs and the breeding success and general fitness of both species depends on adequate ice coverage. Thus, climate change is an acute problem, especially for the ringed seals living in restricted habitats.

OBJECTIVES

The Our Saimaa Seal LIFE project will enhance the implementation of the Saimaa ringed seal conservation strategy and action plan, with the aim of achieving a 5% annual population growth to reach a population size of 500 550 individuals at the end of the project. Nature conservation areas will also be established in the essential breeding grounds of the Baltic ringed seal to improve breeding conditions.

The main objectives are to:

Prepare for the threats caused by climate change by creating man-made snowdrifts and developing artificial nest structures, and by improving health monitoring and non-invasive population monitoring tools;

Enhance the role of the existing volunteer network in the conservation of the Saimaa ringed seal;

Enhance the surveillance of the restrictions set to protect the Saimaa ringed seal by developing and increasing the use of seal-friendly fishing gear, by providing information to water owners, and by building a patrolling network among authorities;

Improve the genetic variability through translocations of individuals; and

Develop seal-friendly eco-tourism.

 

The projects action directly implements the EU Habitats Directive.

RESULTS

Expected results:

Updated Saimaa ringed seal conservation strategy and action plan. The Baltic ringed seal will be included in the Standard Data Forms (SDFs) of relevant Natura 2000 sites in the land archipelago;

Improved non-invasive identification methods for Saimaa ringed seal individuals and population (genetic and photo ID);

Two management plans, for Linnansaari and Kolovesi;

Establishment of three (200 5 000 ha in total) new suitable Natura 2000 sites for Pusa hispida botnica;

Artificial nest structures developed and tested (60 artificial nests) in the Saimaa region and in the Archipelago Sea; and

1 000 fishing gears inspected and 10 events for private water owners.