The graduation took place at the fish breeding site "Lake Aitor" in the Oktyabrsky district of Yugra. Aitor is the largest reservoir in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and a natural floodplain fish nursery, ideal for rearing whitefish: there is an excellent food supply, shallow depth, high oxygen saturation of the water and relatively few predators. Such conditions allow juveniles to quickly adapt to life in open water.
The growing process was organized in a full cycle: the future inhabitants of the rivers entered the site in the form of larvae, and after a month and a half they became stronger and reached the standard weight of more than 1.5 grams. The release took place under the supervision of the relevant commission of Rosrybolovstvo: experts conducted a control catch in different parts of the reservoir, recorded the number and weight of fish. Only after confirming all the indicators was the curtain that separated the fish hatchery from the "big" water removed, and the juveniles set off to explore new water areas.
According to Evgeny Darinov, Deputy Director and Head of the Tyumen branch of VNIRO, the replenishment of natural populations is part of the Institute's strategic work as part of a comprehensive restoration program for Muksun, Nelma and Chir. The program was developed on behalf of the President of Russia and approved by Rosrybolovstvo. According to the head, artificial reproduction of valuable species is a laborious process that requires professionalism and dedication. Thanks to its own production facilities and qualified specialists, the Tyumen branch of VNIRO annually makes a significant contribution to the conservation of the biodiversity of Siberian rivers.
VNIRO Press Service
