Project
Biomanipulation of lake Alanen
Project type
Focus area
Implementation time
1.1.2023 - 31.10.2024
Project unit
Financing program
Other national funding
Project description
The ecological state of Lake Alanen, located in Laukaa, is poor. The EU's goal is to achieve at least a good status for surface waters by 2027. The shallow and small Lake Alanen has become eutrophic, thus reducing its recreational use potential. The lake receives runoff from forestry, agriculture, and the airport.
In 2021, a restoration plan for Lake Alanen was made by the Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences. The plan strongly recommended biomanipulation (fish removal) as one of the restoration measures. Following this recommendation, the Lake Alanen biomanipulation project was carried out in 2023–2024. The purpose of the biomanipulation is to improve the water quality and recreational use potential of the lake.
A funding application was made for a new project (Biomanipulation of lake Alanen 2), to continue the biomanipulation efforts.
For more information:
Samuli Lahtela
Project Manager
Institute of Bioeconomy
Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences
+358 40 596 2378
Project results
As a main result of the project, a total of 9812 kg of fish (175 kg/ha) were caught, the majority of which were cyprinids. This catch amount can be considered a good result. The professional fisherman's target was 8600 kg (153 kg/ha), so this goal was even exceeded. Locals have commented that the water quality in Alasen has now improved, which may be due to the successful biomanipulation. But the good water quality could possibly be due to other factors. Approximately 74 kg of phosphorus was removed from the lake along with the catch.
In addition to the fish catch, an important outcome of the project was ensuring the continuity of the biomanipulation. As planned, a funding application was made for a new project (Biomanipulation of lake Alanen 2), which could allow the continuation of the biomanipulation efforts.
7.10.2024