Ichthyological and hydrobiological studies in Karelia

In this paper, the main trends of long-term (over 70 years) studies conducted by Laboratory Fish Ecology and Aquatic Invertebrates at Institute Biology Karelian Research Centre RAS are described their results reported. The science school in ichthyology hydrobiology, well-known now Russia abroad, has formed Karelia over years research on aquatic ecosystems. ecosystems Karelia’s greatest asset. region’s hydrographic network, which consists 21 000 rivers connecting 60 lakes to form lake-river systems, is described. About 50 % Lake Ladoga about 80 Onego, Europe’s largest freshwater bodies, situated Karelia. widely used various types human activities. General have been analyzed better understand functioning all trophic levels (phyto-zooplankton, zoobenthos, fish component communities) a natural disturbed state develop methods for environmental forecasting. To predict future ecosystems, simulations were run under conditions collaboration with mathematicians physicists. Seeking maintain biodiversity researchers from contributed designation protected areas categories. Interdisciplinary within some international projects programs carried out 20 years. obtained institutions organizations other regions Russia, as well Finland Norway.