Russian nuclear scientists have released six tonnes of juvenile silver carp and a total of about 70,000 fry into the cooling pond at unit 5 of the Novovoronezh NPP. This reduces the amount of phytoplankton, prevents algae blooms, and helps to maintain ecological balance. It is important for the environment and also for the reliable operation of NPP equipment.
“To choose the optimal types of fish and stocking volumes, we rely on the results of regular biological and chemical monitoring and recommendations from specialists,” said the acting Head of the Environmental Protection Department at Novovoronezh NPP, Alexander Dimitryaychev. “This year we are producing silver carp, a species of herbivorous fish that copes most effectively with bio-interference. Silver carp absorbs phytoplankton.”
Carp is a valuable commercial fish that effectively cleans the bottom of the reservoir from silt and organic matter, contributing to the improvement of the entire ecosystem.
The procedure took place in two stages. An active fry weighing from 100 to 300 grams was selected from a local fish hatchery. This size guarantees successful adaptation and high survival of fish in new conditions. Five silver carp tanks were loaded into the car. Specialists from the support systems workshop and the environmental protection department of the NPP checked veterinary documents for fish confirming their good physiological condition and absence of injuries.
The fish were brought to the cooling pond using special transport with isothermal containers, which maintains optimal conditions and were released into the cooling pond through a special sleeve.
“Autumn is the optimal time for stocking. In summer, the water can warm up above 30 degrees, which is dangerous for the fish, while in spring the fry are not big enough. In autumn, the water temperature remains at 16-17 degrees C, providing the most comfortable conditions for fish adaptation,” explained Maxim Akhtyamov, Director General of the Novovoronezh fish hatchery.
A special feature of stocking this year was the participation of kindergarten students and children from the educational centre in Rossoshi. “Such actions are important for the environmental well-being of the territory and the development of a responsible attitude towards nature among the younger generation. The children were able to gain valuable knowledge and also to contribute in practice to the preservation of the local ecosystem,” said Olga Romanova, coordinator for sustainable development and corporate volunteering at the NPP.
Novovoronezh NPP specialists have been stocking fish since 2012. During this time, almost 100 tonnes of fry of different fish species have been released into the cooling pond. Now it is inhabited by tilapia, Amur chebak, bleak, crucian carp, silver carp, carp, catfish, bream, and grass carp.
A similar exercise took place at the Ural Electrochemical Combine (UECC) in Novouralsk (Sverdlovsk region) where 30,000 carp fry were released into the Verkhneuvinsky reservoir. This was part of the UECC environmental programme for the conservation of water resources and the support of biodiversity in the region. The plant allocated RUB1bn ($12.4m) for the purchase of materials and the transportation of the fish in specialised aerated tanks. The released fry were 6-8 weeks old with an average weight is 15-20 grams, which ensures a high survival rate.
“Our facility is located in a unique natural area, and we consider it our duty to preserve it for future generations. The stocking of the Verkhny-Neuvinsky reservoir is our contribution to the sustainable development of the territory,” said UECC Director General Alexander Dudin. “In addition to restocking fish, the plant’s environmental strategy includes the use of modern equipment, the application of innovative solutions in the field of radioactive waste management and the decommissioning of nuclear energy facilities. We allocate more than RUB1bn a year for these purposes.”
