MASLOZERO LAKE ECOSYSTEM AND THE RESULTS OF THE RELEASE OF THE SMELT <i>OSMERUS EPERLANUS </i>INTO THE LAKE

Abstract

The results of the study of the Maslozero Lake ecosystem (the White Sea basin) are reported. The lake is small, deep and poorly lotic. Its hydrochemical and hydrobiological indices were studied. The quantitative and structural indices of the state of the lake’s zooplankton and macrozoobenthos are presented for the first time. The lake is an oligo-mesotrophic water body type, as indicated by the nutrient content scale. The lake is inhabited by 14 fish species of 11 families. The perch Perca fluviatilis , the whitefish Coregonus lavaretus, the pike Esox lucius, the roach Rutilus rutilus and the introduced smelt Osmerus eperlanus are most abundant. The introduction of the smelt into Maslozero Lake is appraised. The smelt in the lake has naturalized, is successfully reproducing and has become abundant. Its growth rate is identical to that of the smelt from its parental water body - Ladoga Lake. The food ration of predatory fish (pike, burbot, perch and char) is dominated by smelt as the most abundant and accessible food item available all year round. The lake is used by the local population for economic purposes, recreation, amateur fishing and fish culture.