Background Lake Saimaa in south eastern Finland forms part of the Vuoksi River basin and hosts several salmon populations that require special attention and care. These species are land-locked salmon (Salmo salar), brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario), Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and grayling (Thymallus thymallus). All have been classified as threatened species in 2010 by the Finnish environmental administration. Anthropogenic changes in water quality, disappearance of natural laying areas, long-term changes in weather conditions, and intensive fishing have all had an adverse impact on these fish populations. Successful management and fish farming have meant that these populations are not now facing extinction, but their future diversity can only be guaranteed through actions to manage the existing native populations. Long-term genetic diversity of the fish populations needs to be secured in order to ensure that the fish can prosper in the wild, as far as possible without human intervention. The fisheries sector, including recreational fishing, is the key actor in gaining support for the continued management of these endangered fish populations. Objectives The project’s general objective was to maintain the genetic diversity of the valuable salmon populations in Lake Saimaa and to improve their vitality. This would be achieved through an information exchange and negotiation process, which aimed to promote sustainable fishing practices. Expected results included: Knowledge and awareness about the value of salmon populations from the Lake Saimaa district improved among the target groups. These target groups included 21 fishery districts, 43 landowners and 18 fishing clubs. Increasing the knowledge of those concerned with fishing-related decisions was of vital importance; Agreement among many of the stakeholders responsible for fishing-related decisions for further measures and an implementation schedule. The aim was to acquire a decision from all parties concerned during the duration of the project; Fishing plans (50) prepared for the most important habitats of the endangered fish in co-operation with the target groups; Some 60 articles and press releases published, targeting regional and local media; and A website about the Lake Saimaa salmon species to be launched and maintained.Results The project prepared 60 fishing plans for fishery districts and joint ownership associations, which significantly advanced sustainable fishing in the Vuoksi River basin. During the project, research information, species-specific strategies and management plans were adapted to a more easy-to-understand form (both visually and in terms of their content). The project provided updated and standardised information on the status and problems of endangered salmon in Saimaa for regional authorities, decision-makers in the local fisheries sector, fishing industry advisory bodies, fishing organisations and the fishing population. The project created tools for improving the effectiveness of, and expanding the management of, endangered salmon populations in Saimaa. LIFE support was used to emphasise the role of individual fishers in reviving endangered fish stocks and encouraged fishers to comply with fishing restrictions. Analysis of the before-and-after attitude surveys among fishers that were carried out by the project indicated that awareness about salmon issues is increasing (e.g. more appreciation of the protection measures for land-locked salmon, as well as raised awareness about methods for protecting the salmon, such as fishing restrictions). A key socio-economic outcome has shown the fishers that they are no longer ‘lonely actors’ and that their operations are being complemented by other stakeholders as well. Project meetings and events facilitated useful dialogue that led to innovative ideas, new solutions and practices. One concrete action with demonstration value was a ‘lure design competition’ (2012), which sought to optimise the sustainability of lures for salmon fishing. Other project actions produced a significant amount of communication material that is available at the website www.jarvilohi.fi. The project participated in dozens of fairs and exhibitions, trolling competitions, and fish markets, as well as several seminars and discussion events that were organised for fishers. The project also achieved broad media exposure. Timing of the project was opportune and linked well with important changes in the Finnish fisheries sector following, for example, reform of the national Fishing Act. The project aimed to influence issues in the new Fishing Act concerning migrating fish by commenting on those issues at several events and forums and by preparing statements for policy purposes. Meetings organised by the project and the preparation of the action plans can together be considered as a successful whole. Similar activities could be considered in other fishing regions in Finland and, since the organisation of fishing is an on-going process, similar projects would need to be undertaken to support the work of authorities in the Vuoksi River basin in Eastern Finland in the future as well. Sustainability of such LIFE information and awareness raising projects depends on the activities being carried out after the project. The people and target groups need continuous reminders on the importance of the issues. The beneficiaries have plans to continue the awareness raising and integrate it within their routine activities. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).