Meet the team

Our group combines decades of experience in marine biology, ecology, and environmental science, focusing on the complex factors that influence Baltic herring populations. Explore the profiles below to learn more about each member’s role, research interests, and contributions to our project.

Team members

Marjut Rajasilta Docent, PhD

Key focus:
Ecological aspects of spawning areas and population dynamics,
Reproductive biology and traits,
Lipids and fatty acids,
Pelagic Ecosystem Dynamics

Jari Hänninen Docent, PhD

Key focus:
Long-term time-series analyses,
Pelagic ecosystem dynamics

Katja Mäkinen Senior researcher, PhD

Key focus:
Iodine in the Baltic Sea ecosystem,
Reproductive biology and traits,
Time-series analysis,
Lipids and fatty acids

Johannes Sahlsten PhD researcher, MSc

Key focus:
Baltic herring Population Identification and Migration patterns,
Corynosoma species in Baltic herring populations,
Trap net monitoring techniques

Aarne Lauerma Research assistant, MSc student

Thesis topic:
Maternal thyroid hormones, egg and larval traits

Saara Miinala MSc student, research assistant

Thesis topic:
Mortality and loss of spawned Baltic herring eggs in the northern Airisto, Archipelago Sea

Laura Lammi Bachelor student, Research assistant

Thesis topic:

Characteristics and occurrence of mysis shrimps in the Archipelago Sea

Päivi Laine PhD, visiting researcher

Key focus:
Ecological Aspects of Spawning Areas and Population Dynamics
Reproductive Biology and Traits

Previous team members

We acknowledge the valuable contributions of our former team members, whose expertise and efforts have played an important role in advancing our research. Their work has helped establish a strong foundation for the project and has significantly enhanced our knowledge of Baltic herring and its marine environment.

  • Jan Eklund, MSc
  • Mikael Elfving, MSc
  • Ilppo Vuorinen, Prof. emeritus
  • Petri Vahteri, MSc
  • Juha Kääriä, PhD
  • Kari Ranta-aho, MSc

Additionally, we recognize the valuable efforts of numerous summer interns, students, and short-term project researchers who have supported our work over the years.