13 August 2026

Monitoring of Atlantic salmon juveniles on the rivers of the Kola Peninsula

From the end of July to the middle of August, scientists of the Polar Branch of the SSC RF "All—Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography" (VNIRO) conducted annual monitoring studies on the rivers of the Kola Peninsula - Kovda, Luvenge, Kolvice, Peel, Umbe and Varzuga.
 
Experts estimated the population density of Atlantic salmon (salmon) Salmo salar juveniles at 24 outgrowth sites using a metering device at standard stations. The largest stage of work took place on the Varzuga River: the largest number of sites were surveyed there, and the length of the route was about 100 km. The scientists were rafting down the river on a tourist raft (a group of two people).
 
The water level was above average: this made it easier to roll over, but complicated the accounting of juveniles. Despite the difficulties, the expedition mission was completed in full.
 
The data obtained will help to assess the state of natural reproduction of Atlantic salmon and will be used to form recommendations on the projected catch volumes of anadromous fish species.
 
VNIRO Press Service