Preservation and restoration of the European pearl mussel population in the Arctic region of Russia (Murmansk Oblast)
https://doi.org/10.21443/3034-1434-2026-4-2-99-108
Abstract
This article discusses the research findings on the testing of a technology for the reintroduction of the European pearl mussel in the Paz River basin. In 2024, 200 live pearl mussels were collected from a donor colony in the Mashjoki Stream, which had a high density of up to 100 individuals per square meter, and then transported to the Kaskamojoki Stream at the Pasvik Nature Reserve. A new European pearl mussel colony was established in areas with a high density of brown trout of various ages, which host the parasitic stage of pearl mussel larvae. Additionally, the results of the monitoring of the new pearl mussel colony are presented. The monitoring was conducted one winter later, in 2025. Mollusks were found to be in satisfactory condition; only one pearl mussel shell with mechanical damage was discovered, which was presumably caused by a moose crossing the stream. A parasitological analysis was conducted on juvenile brown trout inhabiting the areas where pearl mussels were released into the Kaskamojoki Stream; no glochidia were found on the gills of the brown trout.
Keywords
Supporting agencies: The work was funded by Kolskaya MMC JSC (Monchegorsk), the Pasvik Nature Reserve, and a state-funded project of the Karelian Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (project No. FMEN-2022-0007, Contract No. 122031700452-3, No. FMEN-2022-0005, Contract No. 122032100130-3).
About the Authors
D. А. Efremov
Institute of Biology, the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Denis А. Efremov — Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Senior Researcher
185010, Karelia Petrozavodsk, Pushkinskaya str., 11.
Tel.: + 7 (911) 410-31-05
Y. P. Ieshko
Institute of Biology, the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Yevgeniy P. Ieshko — Dr. Sci. (Biol.), Professor, Chief Researcher
185010, Karelia Petrozavodsk, Pushkinskaya str., 11.
Tel.: + 7 (911) 410-09-58
N. V. Polikarpova
Pasvik Nature Reserve
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Natal’ya V. Polikarpova — Cand. Sci. (Geol. and Mineral.), Director
184421, Murmansk Region, Pechenga District, urban-type settlement Nikel, Gvardeysky ave., 43.
Tel.: +7 (921) 288-78-00
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Review
For citations:
Efremov D.А., Ieshko Y.P., Polikarpova N.V. Preservation and restoration of the European pearl mussel population in the Arctic region of Russia (Murmansk Oblast). Arctic and Innovations. 2026;4(2):99-108. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21443/3034-1434-2026-4-2-99-108
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