Gazprom Neft releases juvenile salmon into the Suma River in Karelia

Juvenile Atlantic salmon (salmon) raised at the Vyga Fish Hatchery of Glavrybvod were released into the Suma River. The juvenile fish were transported to the release site in specialized vehicles, where optimal conditions for oxygen content and temperature were maintained.

A significant factor for the successful acclimatization of the fish is its weight, which in this case averaged 19 grams. Experts note that fingerlings weighing less than 15 grams exhibit lower survival rates in their natural habitat.

The stocking process was overseen by an interdepartmental commission that included representatives from Rosrybolovstvo, a specialized research institute, environmental experts from Gazprom Neft Shelf, as well as employees from Gazprom Neft's oilfield services divisions responsible for project implementation.

This year, the company's program to restore populations of valuable and rare fish species, in addition to Karelia, covers several other regions of Russia: the Tyumen, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, and Sakhalin Regions, as well as Buryatia and Yakutia. In total, over one million juvenile fish of various species will be released into the water bodies, including chum salmon, grayling, Atlantic salmon, muksun, Siberian sturgeon, and Lena sturgeon.

Igor Rustamov, CEO of Gazprom Neft Shelf, emphasized that the safety of production processes and a conscientious approach to environmental stewardship are fundamental principles of the company's operations. He highlighted the long-standing efforts to implement initiatives aimed at preserving the Arctic's unique nature and maintaining ecological balance. These initiatives include annual monitoring of the Barents Sea ecosystem and oversight of the populations of Atlantic walruses and other Arctic animals. Another important focus is the restoration of aquatic biological resources, as part of which more than 4.5 million juvenile fish have been released into natural bodies of water in recent years.

Andrey Bochkov, Head of Gazprom Neft's oilfield services companies, added that the company not only implements advanced technologies for the safe extraction of hydrocarbons but also actively contributes to environmental conservation in the regions where it operates. Replenishing the Atlantic salmon population in the White Sea basin is an integral part of this comprehensive environmental conservation effort.