20 November 2025

Large-scale studies of the spawning run of Baikal omul

Specialists from the Baikal branch of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) conducted a census of Baikal omul spawners entering the Selenga, Upper Angara, Barguzin, and Posolsky Sor rivers (Lake Baikal) to spawn from August to October 2025.
 
Fieldwork was conducted during the spawning run of this endemic species. During long-term observations, fisheries scientists determined the status of Baikal omul spawners, assessed the health of the populations, tracked the dynamics of the spawners' run, and recorded the hydrological and temperature regimes of the water bodies.
 
Ichthyological observations included: determining the morpho-ecological group, studying the size and sex composition of spawners and their weight, and collecting samples to determine age and absolute fecundity, differentiated for each type of fishing gear.
 
The collected data is necessary for assessing the state of the fish population and developing measures for its conservation and sustainable use. The information obtained will allow fisheries science to monitor omul population dynamics and develop effective measures to protect Lake Baikal's unique natural environment.
 
 
VNIRO Press Service