Extensive Fish Stocking Program in Norilsk-Pyasinsky Lake-River System
"Nornickel persists in catching fish from the Yenisei River"
In 2022, a major agreement was signed for extensive scientific research and fish stocking in the Norilsk-Pyasinsky lake-river system. The joint effort involves NTEK, Rosrybolovstvo, and VNIRO, with hundreds of specialists working towards the goal of restoring and enhancing native fish populations.
1. Goals of the Stocking Program
The primary objectives of this ambitious program include:
- Restoring and enhancing native fish populations: To replenish depleted stocks of native species due to overfishing, habitat disturbances, or environmental changes.
- Improving biodiversity: Support ecosystem balance by maintaining a variety of fish species.
- Promoting sustainable fisheries: Support both commercial and recreational fishing communities with sustainable fish stocks.
- Supporting local economy and food security: Provide a reliable source of protein and livelihood for local populations.
- Enhancing ecosystem health: Promote ecological functions such as nutrient cycling and habitat structure through healthier fish populations.
2. Species Involved
Based on regional ecology and common stocking practices in northern Siberian lake-river systems, the likely species include:
- Lenok (Brachymystax lenok): A native salmonid valued both ecologically and commercially.
- Siberian whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus baicalensis): Important for local fisheries.
- Northern pike (Esox lucius): A top predator helping regulate prey populations.
- Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus): Native to cold, clear water systems, indicators of healthy environments.
- European perch (Perca fluviatilis): A widely distributed species supporting recreational fishing.
- Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush): If native or suitable for the environment; valued predator species.
Note: Selection depends on environmental suitability and native status to avoid ecological imbalance.
3. Timeline for Release
A detailed timeline typically includes preparatory, implementation, and monitoring phases:
- Year 1: Preparatory Phase
- Baseline ecological surveys and stock assessments.
- Selection and breeding of suitable broodstock.
- Infrastructure setup (hatcheries, transport facilities).
- Stakeholder consultations and permits.
- Year 2–3: Initial Release Phase
- Hatchery rearing of juveniles.
- Gradual release into selected sites during optimal seasons (usually spring or early summer to maximize survival chances).
- Initial monitoring of survival and adaptation.
- Year 4–5: Expansion Phase
- Scale-up of stocking numbers based on initial outcomes.
- Possible inclusion of additional species depending on early results.
- Ongoing habitat restoration and environmental improvements.
- Year 6 and beyond: Long-Term Monitoring and Management
- Continuous population and ecosystem monitoring.
- Adaptive management based on monitoring data.
- Community engagement and sustainable fisheries development.
In addition to the Norilsk-Pyasinsky lake-river system, similar programs are underway in other regions, such as the Yenisei and Pysina River basins. For instance, Vladimir Voronkov, head of NTEK's projects, has stated that NTEK has been conducting large-scale stocking events on the Yenisei for the past three years. The goal includes maintaining the resources at a level that ensures sustainable harvesting and biodiversity.
The research program on the Pysina River basin has both regional and federal significance. Furthermore, "Norilsk Nickel" collaborates with Russian aquaculture producers, including those in Krasnoyarsk Krai, to implement a large-scale stocking program, allocating tens of millions of rubles annually.
The target for 2025 is to release 3 million fry, as in the previous two years. From 2033 to 2050, an energy company plans to release 510 million specimens of valuable fish species. The fish species to be released include sturgeon, whitefish, cisco, sig, and nelma.
Since 2023, VNIRO has been studying the state of aquatic biological resources and their habitats in the Taymyr region, serving as a scientific testing ground for developing new methods and technologies for studying aquatic ecosystems in Russia's Arctic rivers and lakes. The release of these fish specimens will take place in the Norilsk-Pyasinsky lake-river system.
The parties involved in the agreement include NTEK, VNIRO, and the Yenisei Territorial Management of Rosrybolovstvo. VNIRO will conduct regular research until 2051, ensuring the long-term success of the fish stocking program and the health of the Norilsk-Pyasinsky lake-river system.
- The extensive scientific research and fish stocking program in the Norilsk-Pyasinsky lake-river system encompasses not only the study of aquatic ecosystems (environmental science), but also the exploration of healthier fish populations' impact on local food security and nutrient cycling (health-and-wellness).
- The joint effort for fish stocking in regions such as the Norilsk-Pyasinsky lake-river system, Yenisei, and Pysina River basins could potentially include the reintroduction of various fish species, like sturgeon, whitefish, cisco, sig, nelma, and lenok (fitness-and-exercise, as fostering a variety of fish populations encourages a balanced ecosystem and supports sustainable fishing communities).
