The present state of vendace Coregonus albula population in lake Gimolskoye (Western Karelia)

Data on the species composition of the fish population of Lake Gimolskoe are provided. The basis of conducted experimental catches consisted of vendace, bream, pike, perch and roach. The largest population in the lake is presented by vendace (Coregonus albula), which by population indices is referred to a small ecological form. The biological parameters of vendace (length, mass, fecundity and feeding) were studied. The comparative analysis of the data shows an increase in the linearly-weight growth parameters of vendace in comparison with the data obtained during previous research. This is probably associated with good feeding conditions, limited anthropogenic impact, and the lack of industrial fishing. The current state of vendace population of Lake Gimolskoe can be considered safe. At present, the waters of the lake are used for recreational fishing only. The reservoir has a high number of vendace and it is the main subject of food for predatory fish species (pike, perch, burbot and pikeperch). Habitation of the only ecological form (small) of vendace makes it possible to use the fish for genetic and biochemical analysis. The obtained results supplement information on the current state of the populations of vendace in various water bodies of Karelia. The results of the studies are needed for the assessment of fish stocks and conservation of coregonid fishes in the region as a whole.