The present state of an Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.) population in Lake Imandra subjected to over-fishing

The influence of fishery on the state of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.) population in Lake Imandra. The largest freshwater water body of the Kola Peninsula, is considered. Retrospective analysis of the catches during the period 1930-2010 revealed that the consequences of uncontrolled fishing are comparable with those of technogenic pollution. As a result of intensive and long-term antropogenic influence on the lake the number of age-groups decreased; the weight and length indices changed; the structure of fish population was simplified. Even after improving of environmental conditions, the numbers of fish continued to decrease due to uncontrolled angling and poaching which led to almost complete extinction of charr in the lake. © 2013 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.