Historic season concludes as this year’s final juvenile reaches the Baltic Sea
In late September, the ReCod project carried out the year’s final release of cod juveniles into the Baltic Sea. This marks the end of a historic season for the project, during which hatchery-reared juveniles were released into the sea for the first time as part of efforts to strengthen the threatened eastern Baltic cod stock. Work now begins to build on the experience gained and increase the scale of future releases.
The final release of cod juveniles took place under unusually favourable conditions. Thanks to fine weather and calm water, the project team decided to try something different. Instead of using the specially designed release unit, another method was tested. A diver descended to the seabed and released the cod juveniles into their new habitat.
The calm water made it possible to observe the release at close range. By using a diver, the juveniles could be placed directly near the seabed and hiding spots while their behaviour and orientation in the new environment were documented. This also provided valuable observations from the release itself.
Vincent and the diver prepare for the release of cod. Photo: Frida Tornberg
Small cod juveniles, only about 1-2 cm long, swimming in the sea.
As the final juveniles swam away towards a new life in the Baltic Sea, the project team felt a strong sense of joy.
“The most important thing is not simply that we release cod juveniles, but that we learn how rearing and release can be carried out in the best possible way. This knowledge is crucial if the method is to be used on a larger scale in the future to strengthen the cod stock in the Baltic Sea,” says Vincent Néron, ReCod project manager.
Animal caretaker Johnnie Stjernberg agrees.
“We have followed these juveniles every day since they hatched, so it feels special to see them head out into the sea. We now hope they get a good start to their new life in the Baltic Sea,” he says.
Vincent Néron, project manager for ReCod. Photo: Frida Tornberg
Johnnie Stjernberg, animal caretaker. Photo: Frida Tornberg
Hope for more cod in the Baltic Sea
This year’s work has provided new experience of rearing and releasing cod juveniles. The knowledge gained will be used to refine the methods, expand the work and learn more about how hatchery-reared cod juveniles cope with the transition to life in the Baltic Sea.
An important step forward is the new partnership with Apotea, which is supporting the release of 10,000 juveniles. Thanks to the support, the project gains further opportunities to continue developing the work and increase the scale of future releases.
“BalticWaters’ work to re-establish cod in the Baltic Sea is exactly the kind of practical project we want to support. Releasing small, hatchery-reared cod juveniles into the sea makes environmental action both tangible and hopeful. We are therefore delighted to support BalticWaters’ ReCod project,” says Pär Svärdson, CEO of Apotea.
Read more about the partnership with Apotea on its website.
Would you like to help bring more cod back to the Baltic Sea?
ReCod’s work is made possible by people who care about the sea and Baltic cod. By donating to BalticWaters, you can support research, rearing and the release of more cod juveniles into the Baltic Sea. Find out how you can support the sea here or make a donation via Swish to 9007790. Thank you!