The project “Towards sustainable coexistence of seals and humans, CoExist” restarted active collaboration between Russian and Finnish partners related to conservation of freshwater ringed seals living in lakes Saimaa and Ladoga. More specific, the project worked in the areas of conservation biology, technological innovations, environmental awareness, and sustainable use of the lakes habited by the seals. Conservation biology best practices were shared in the protection and management. Science-based actions were taken towards sustainable human- seal coexistence. In addition, environmental awareness among public, locals, visitors, companies, authorities, and other stakeholders was enhanced actively during the project. The project also gained visibility in varied diverse ways and produced broader and updated knowledge on essential ecological issues on the Saimaa and Ladoga ringed seals. Main activities and achievements of the project:
Novel monitoring tools: Photo-ID: Improved knowledge on Saimaa ringed seal site fidelity and long-term population gained. This enables evidence-based management and decision-making. Pilot season in Lake Ladoga conducted and a first photo-ID database for Ladoga seals created.
Novel monitoring tools: Automatic individual identification of seals: A method and software for automatic identification of seal individuals created.
Best practices in seal-fisheries conflict mitigation activity: Improved knowledge on seal-fishery conflict in Lake Ladoga and seal-safe fishing methods was gained and distributed among stakeholders. Across the border, promoted dialogue and information sharing were exchanged among fishermen, managing authorities, scientists, enterprises, and conservation experts.
Sustainable ecotourism: Enhanced knowledge on effects of seal-watching tourism on Saimaa ringed seal behaviour. Discussion between Saimaa tourist operators started, and their points of view were listed. The information distributed to the authorities. Information shared on seals and cooperation started in Lake Ladoga among tourist sites.
Environmental education and awareness: Increased environmental awareness on freshwater seals on both sides of the border. Increased awareness and project visibility among the local public and among school kids and teachers in the project region.
View this project in keep.eu
