LIFE SOS – Project Supporting the Long-Term Survival of the Saimaa Ringed Seal
The LIFE SOS project brings together local and science-based know-how to support the long-term conservation of the Saimaa ringed seal population. The project aims to secure the recovery of the population and ensure the long-term survival of the species. It seeks 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.
The unique Saimaa ringed seal needs protection
The Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa saimensis) is a critically endangered seal that lives exclusively in Lake Saimaa, Finland. Although the population has grown thanks to successful conservation efforts, the future of the species continues to be challenged by climate change, dangerous fishing gear, disturbance to breeding caused by human activities, and low genetic diversity.
The LIFE SOS project aims to increase the Saimaa ringed seal population to approximately 700 individuals by 2032. To support conservation, the project combines the latest genetic research, population modelling, and practical conservation work to ensure that conservation measures can be planned and targeted as effectively as possible.
Research, conservation work and volunteers together
Key measures of the LIFE SOS project 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.
Project duration and funding
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 from 2026 to 2032.
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
- The Saimaa ringed seal is one of Metsähallitus’ responsibility species. Read more about Saimaa ringed seal conservation.
- LIFE SOS is the third LIFE project focused on the conservation of the Saimaa ringed seal. Read more about the previous projects:
Contact information
The project is coordinated by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland.
Project Manager Eija Hurme, eija.hurme@metsa.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 486 0563
Project Specialist Katja Sandgren, katja.sandgren@metsa.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 624 8314
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Last updated 29 September 2026