Characterizing the pelagic fish assemblage in Lake Paanajärvi: scarce stocks and large individuals

Authors

  • Ari Huusko Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute, Paltamo, Finland
  • Juha Jurvelius Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute, Enonkoski, Finland
  • Jarmo Louhimo Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute, Enonkoski, Finland

Abstract

The structure of fish stocks in the pelagic areas of Paanajärvi, a deep northern lake in a natural state, was characterized by means of echo surveys and test fishing in 1992-1994. More than 90% of the pelagic fish identified in echo surveying were at depths between 4 and 34 m. The highest pelagic fish density was in the western part of the lake and the lowest in the eastern part. The pelagic fish were in general relatively large, their size distribution resembling more that of pelagic areas in practically unfished natural lakes than that of exploited lakes. The structure of the pelagic fish assemblage in Paanajärvi stresses the importance of nature conservation as means of evaluating gradual changes in the environment caused by human activities. Monitoring fish stocks in lakes located in nature conservation areas could be used as a control method, e.g. for detecting and assessing the effects of land-use activities in a drainage area or fishing in a lake.

Section
Research Papers

Published

1999-01-01

How to Cite

Huusko, A., Jurvelius, J., & Louhimo, J. (1999). Characterizing the pelagic fish assemblage in Lake Paanajärvi: scarce stocks and large individuals. Fennia - International Journal of Geography, 177(1), 37–43. Retrieved from https://fennia.journal.fi/article/view/8931