December 30, 2013

The “Shantarskie Islands” National Park (the Khabarovsk Territory, RF) was established. The Chairman of the Russian Government Dmitry Medvedev signed the governmental regulation # 1304. The National Park is located on the territory of the some name islands, has an area of 5155 square kilometers and includes 2412.2 square kilometers of forest reserve lands and 2742.8 square kilometers of adjacent waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. The National Park aims to preserve the unique islands ecosystems of the Sea of Okhotsk, ecosystem diversity of boreal forests and alpine tundra with endemic flora. On the islands there are many rare species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the Red Book of the Khabarovsk Territory. A high density of mammals (brown bear, fox, sable, ermine, and otter) is noted there.  

As well as there are places with a high concentration of migratory birds, protection of their flight path are provided by a number of international conventions for the protection of migratory species and their habitats.

Large spawning of salmon fishes are located in the rivers of the archipelago. The Sredny is only place on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk where rainbow trout fish (mikizha) inhabit.  This unique Shantarsky population needs a special protection.

Sea of Okhotsk water area in the boundaries of the national park is important for the conservation of living marine resources including marine mammals. Several species of whales can be watched in the water area. There are numerous  of pinniped rookeries, including sea lions, large concentrations of sea bird colonies on sea-cliffs.

According to the Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation  Sergey Donskoy, the “Shantarsky Islands” National Park will help to preserve the unique ecosystems and develop of domestic and international eco-tourism in the Far East .
Establishment of the national park was carried out in accordance with the Development Concept of Specially Protected Natural Territories of Federal Significance for the period until 2020.

http://www.mnr.gov.ru/news/detail.php?ID=132207