Craig Primmer, Helsinki

Mikko Koskinen, Helsinki

Jaakko Lumme, Oulu

Igor Bakhmet, Petrozavodsk/Helsinki

Alexey Veselov, Petrozavodsk

Alexander Potutkin, Murmansk

Jaakko distributed copies of the soon to be published article (Molecular Ecology, January 2001) on the evolutionary relationships of Baltic salmon, which includes samples of Karelian salmon supplied by Alexey and Sergey Titov (St. Petersburg). He thanked the members for arranging these samples.

Mikko presented results from his PhD studies on Saimaa grayling. They revealed that populations separated by as little as 45km (Pielinen and Lieksanjoki) can be extremely genetically distinct and should therefore be considered as separate management units. Mikko informed that Jorma Piironen from RKTL, Enonkoski has arranged for sampling from a small number of samples from the Russian part of Lieksanjoki. Analysis of these samples awaits further funding.

Craig presented preliminary results of microsatellite data from brown trout of the Panajärvi region which, combined with results from the Finnish populations in the Kitka region, suggest there are several distinct management units of brown trout in this region. Further analyses could reveal more details about these lineages.

It was agreed that a DNA sampling kit would be given to Aleksandr so he could distribute collection tubes to local fisherman for collection of grayling samples from the Kola Penninsula region for genetic analyses.

Jaakko informed us that he is maintaining the BWB www site and has added pictures and preliminary data from the previous summer's expedition ( http://cc.oulu.fi/~genetwww/BWB/exped00.htm ).

Craig presented his research group's newly released web site, which includes several summaries of the salmonid work translated into Russian (http://www.helsinki.fi/~primmer)

Alexey presented a first draft of the English translation of his text 'Salmon populations of Karelia'. It was agreed that Craig and Jaakko will check the English and a version of the text will be submitted for publication in the international journal Boreal Environment Research, in the spring.

Mikko told that he has presented the results of his Saimaa grayling work (see above) at a meeting of local water owners in Koli last month. He said the local water owners were very interested in the results and thought that analysis of samples from the Russian side of the border would be very useful. His seminar was reported in several local newspapers including Karjalainen.

Igor informed that he is preparing data for establishing a computer database which includes ecological and genetic data of Karelian salmon rivers. This work is very time consuming however and cannot proceed further until they have some money to employ a person to take responsibility for it.

1. Eastern bank of Lake Onega, including the Nucha and Vodla Rivers, plus the south coast of the White Sea (Äänislahti). Recently built roads now allow access to these regions, which are also popular tourist regions for kayak excursions. Species for which samples and ecological data could be collected include salmon, grayling Arctic charr and brown trout. This expedition would also involve working in the Archangelsk region, in collaboration with Igor Studenov from SevPINRO. Alexey will meet with the Bishop of Archangelsk region in January to discuss the possibility of getting a boat (free of charge) for accessing some Archangelsk rivers. He will also try and obtain permission to collect samples in the Vologdskaja region. The estimated cost of the expedition depends on what the Bishop can arrange, but would be in the range of USD 3000-5000. Genetic analysis of these samples in Finland would cost about FIM 60000
2. Varzina river: Aleksandr informed us that this is another popular tourist river (helicopter day trips) on the north coast of the Kola Penninsula. Therefore it is important to collect genetic and ecological data for monitoring purposes before the population is affect too much by human activities. The ideal time to visit the river would be in July, so that smolt migration could be monitored. Trout and Arctic charr populations also exist in this region and could be collected. Samples for genetic analyses for all species could be collected at the same time. This expedition would be more expensive as it requires helicopter flights and the hire of a rubber boat for accessing the area: Estimated cost- USD 6000-8000.

Craig informed that the MMM neighbouring region co-operation application had been received well, but that a decision would not be made until January 2001. It was agreed that no firm plans regarding possible expeditions in 2001 could be made until the decision of that possible funding was known.

It was agreed to submit an application to INTAS in the next round (September 2001): This funding would start at the earliest in August 2002 and the Russian members raised concerns that they do not have the financing to continue their work with no funding in the meantime. It was therefore also agreed to try and seek money from some private Finnish foundations.

It was agreed that letters of commitment would be sent to Craig before the end of the year from the fisheries managers both for the Karelia and Murmansk regions. These can then be included in grant applications to show that our work has support at the 'grass roots level'.

Signed December 15 2000, Helsinki

Craig Primmer Alexey Veselov Aleksandr Potutkin