Results and impact

Fish reproduction habitats have been studied in the Finnish coastal area. This project has developed new, efficient survey methods and successfully mapped the distribution of newly-hatched fish larvae in the coastal zone. Spatial data based, modeled reproduction habitat maps have been produced for many different species of fish, such as pikeperch, sea- spawning whitefish, pike and roach. In addition, occurrence maps have been produced for e.g. perch, Baltic herring, flounder and turbot larvae. The information produced in this project enables more efficient coastal zone planning and management, as well as makes it possible to focus temporary fishing restrictions there where they are needed. Information of the distribution of the fish reproduction habitats facilitates also environmental protection.