A new EU-funded project is being launched to support the conservation of the Saimaa ringed seal. The LIFE SOS project aims to secure the recovery of the Saimaa ringed seal population and ensure the long-term survival of the species. This will be achieved through concrete conservation measures and by addressing key challenges related to its protection.
“The Saimaa ringed seal is a unique part of Finland’s natural heritage and of global biodiversity. At the same time, it is one of Europe’s most endangered animals. It is truly encouraging that significant EU funding is now being directed to the conservation of the Saimaa ringed seal. The LIFE SOS project strengthens our ability to develop and implement effective conservation measures in cooperation with a wide range of stakeholders”, says Sari Multala, Minister of Climate and the Environment.
The project aims to increase the Saimaa ringed seal population to approximately 700 individuals by 2032. Although the population has grown in recent decades, the species still requires active and diverse conservation efforts to survive. Continued population growth is essential to improving the viability of this critically endangered seal and reducing its risk of extinction.
“The future of the Saimaa ringed seal depends on how successfully we can safeguard the species and the habitats it requires under changing environmental conditions. LIFE SOS brings together scientific research, practical conservation measures, and the voluntary efforts of local people to achieve these goals. Knowledge and expertise will be shared with both citizens and decision-makers to help secure the future of the Saimaa ringed seal”, says Eija Hurme, Project Manager at Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland.
The Saimaa ringed seal became isolated from other ringed seal populations tens of thousands of years ago, and its population in Lake Saimaa once declined to fewer than 200 individuals. As a result, the species has extremely low genetic diversity.
The LIFE SOS project will strengthen seal conservation by combining the latest genetic research and population modelling with practical conservation work. Research will investigate how limited genetic diversity affects the population’s viability, while modelling will assess the population size required to ensure the species’ long-term survival. The results will support the planning and targeting of conservation measures and contribute to defining a favorable conservation status reference value for the Saimaa ringed seal.
The project will also seek solutions to improve pup survival, reduce mortality caused by fishing gear, and ensure the availability of safe breeding and habitat areas for the species in the future.
Actions to Achieve the Target
Key measures include identifying the causes of pup mortality, developing seal-safe fishing methods, expanding the network of artificial snowdrifts for nesting, and identifying and safeguarding important habitats.
Communication and volunteer work play a vital role in the conservation of the Saimaa ringed seal. The project will improve, for example, the digital collection of seal observations and strengthen volunteers’ skills in population monitoring and conservation activities. In addition, the project will examine what makes volunteer work meaningful and what motivates people to remain engaged in conservation efforts.
The Finnish Museum of Natural History will host an exhibition dedicated to the Saimaa ringed seal, and various seal-themed events will be organized throughout the region.
Total Budget of EUR 11 Million for a Six-Year Effort
The project, officially titled “LIFE in Support of Survival: Uniting Local and Science-Based Know-How to Support the Long-Term Survival of the Endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal Population” (LIFE SOS), will run for 6.5 years.
The total project budget is EUR 11.3 million, of which 75% is funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. Co-financiers include the Ministry of the Environment, the Nestori Foundation, and the Raija and Ossi Tuuliainen Foundation.
The project is coordinated by Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland and involves the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), the University of Eastern Finland, the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, WWF Finland, the Finnish Museum of Natural History (Luomus), the University of Oulu, Korkeasaari Zoo, and the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke).
In addition, Saimaa Group Ltd. will construct artificial nesting snowdrifts for the seals, and the Natural Heritage Foundation will secure protected areas for the species through land acquisition.
More information