PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Lake Pihlajavesi is part of a vast system of clear, oligotrophic lakes called the Saimaa. It is the largest lake in Finland and the fourth largest in Europe. At the end of the last Ice Age, the Baltic extended far into Finland, but as the land rose parts were cut off to become land-locked freshwater bodies. Saltwater species were trapped in these lakes, and the ancestors of the ringed seal became a distinct freshwater sub-species (Phoca hispida saimensis), found only in Saimaa. The total population of the Saimaa ringed seal was about 180 individuals, 35-40 of which occurred in Lake Pihlajavesi. Besides its seal population, Lake Pihlajavesi was an important route for migrating Arctic birds. Its shores and the many islands dotting it are covered by various types of taiga forest. From 1986 onwards proposals have been made to establish a national park or a corresponding nature conservation area here. However many islands have been inhabited and cultivated since the year 1500. Forestry, one of the major threats to biodiversity, is being practised in the whole area, and in the recent past the islands and the lake shores have become increasingly popular sites for holiday cottages. The ringed seal is directly threatened by loss of its terrestrial breeding and resting sites, by disturbance and by discarded fishing tackle, in which it can become entangled, with fatal consequences.
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE project will expand on earlier work to prepare a master plan for lake Pihlajavesi and its seals. The plan would be directly for land owned by public authorities, and the municipalities concerned had already agreed that the master plan for the whole area will be used as a basis for the municipal planning. Preparatory work would be needed (biological surveys, examination of direct disturbance and by-catches, research into water pollution and other factors) to develop plans. A very important part of the work would be consultation with the local population and professional groups (e.g. fishermen) to seek their input and their support. The ultimate goal is sustainable human use of the lake that at the same time allows favourable conservation status for its species and habitats. Within the lifetime of the project, implementation of the master plan would begin, notably through the purchase of identified sites of particular importance (200 ha of breeding areas).
RESULTS
A total of 300 ha of land was purchased and seal numbers reportedly increased – this was attributed partly to fishing restrictions and acquiring some fishing rights for one to five years (note that most fishing is recreational rather than commercial). The land was purchased primarily to prevent summer cottage development. Nine technical studies informed the drafting of the master plan, including studies of recreational areas, breeding areas and fishing restriction areas. This information was used to inform the Natura 2000 designation. Consequently, 20 out of 70 building permit applications were refused on the basis of this evidence. The local forestry centre used the information to influence 40 private forest plans. Recreation routes for sailing and snow mobiles were developed. Fishermen were informed about the relative danger to seals of different types of fishing (gillnets, trammel nets, and baited hooks). The importance of water level fluctuations for seal pups was determined (a 16 cm drop meant a loss of 40% of pups), and this pointed to the potential for artificial regulation of the lake's water level. Activities focused on helping pups survive until the breeding age of 5-7 years. A wide range of dissemination material was produced and a mobile exhibition reached 13 municipalities.A total of 300 ha of land was purchased and seal numbers reportedly increased – this was attributed partly to fishing restrictions and acquiring some fishing rights for one to five years (note that most fishing is recreational rather than commercial). The land was purchased primarily to prevent summer cottage development. Nine technical studies informed the drafting of the master plan, including studies of recreational areas, breeding areas and fishing restriction areas. This information was used to inform the Natura 2000 designation. Consequently, 20 out of 70 building permit applications were refused on the basis of this evidence. The local forestry centre used the information to influence 40 private forest plans. Recreation routes for sailing and snow mobiles were developed. Fishermen were informed about the relative danger to seals of different types of fishing (gillnets, trammel nets, and baited hooks). The importance of water level fluctuations for seal pups was determined (a 16 cm drop meant a loss of 40% of pups), and this pointed to the potential for artificial regulation of the lake's water level. Activities focused on helping pups survive until the breeding age of 5-7 years. A wide range of dissemination material was produced and a mobile exhibition reached 13 municipalities.