Some issues of ecology and biology of brown king crab (Lithodes aequispinus, Bеnedict, 1895) in the east part of the Sea of Okhotsk

Analysis of the distribution of size-functional groups of brown king crab on the continental spole in the eastern part of the Sea of Okhotsk was provided based on the data collected in 1998–2003. Aggergation rates were evaluated for males and females. Size structure of the population depended on the depth and site. Recommendations for maximum efficient fishery are provided.

State of the pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) population in the Losos Bight (Sakhalin Island) in 2013–2020

The state of the aggregation of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) in the Losos Bight (Aniva Bay) in 2013–2020 was assessed. For now, this aggregation has been in depression as a result of intense fishing. The abundance of the aggregation of commercial individuals (shell height >120 mm) was poor two recent years. The total stock estimated is 31.5 t; the commercial stock – 4.7 t.

Complex forecasting the TAC of marine fish species for the Petropavlovsk-Commander subzone based on the longterm data about catch structure in different types of fishery and catches 2019

Schematic distribution of the single-species TAC (total allowable catch) and RAС (recommended annual catch) in the complex quotas was developed for 2019 based on the long-term average annual data on the structure of the catches in major types of fishing within the Petropavlovsk-Commander subzone. Comparison of this distribution and real catches for this period was provided.

On the intraspecific competition of yellowfin sole Limanda aspera (Pallas, [1814]) (Pleuronectidae) in the eastern part of the Sea of Okhotsk

Based on the longterm observations for 1963–2019, the article provides an assessment of the yellowfin sole generation mortality dynamics depending initial abundance and population dynamics in view of abundance and biomass. Individual growth and matiration rates were evaluated in generations with different initial abundance and in different states of population dynamics. Results indicated about intraspecific competition in yellowfin sole in the eastern part of the Sea of Okhotsk, expressed in specifics of the dynamics of stock abundance, growth and maturation. Forming generation stock abundance in early and later ages has different character. The more exceeding number of parental eggs spawned, the more generation abundance of yearlings getting exactly compensated by mortality (complete compensation). Older generations demonstrate the phenomen of “overcompensation”, when mortality of generations appeared in the years of higher egg production exceeds fertility. In the period of population growth and stabilization at a high level the period of the Yellowfin sole abundance fluctuation cycle gets shorter and the amplitude – smaller. Effects of intraspecific competition on the growth of individuals are revealed. Negative effects of the competition authentically revealed in elder age groups were not observed in younger age groups. An increase of the Yellowfin sole abundance brings negative effects on maturation rate of males with almost no such effects on females. To the greatest extent such effects can be seen in young age groups, at the beginning and middle stage of maturation.

Macrozoobentos on the shelf of the Kronotsky Gulf

Data about the taxonomic composition and spatial distribution of bottom invertebrates of Kronotsky Gulf were obtained on results of bottom grab survey carried in September 2002. Analysis of the samples revealed 72 species of Polychaeta, 21 species of molluscs (Bivalvia), 17 species of crustaceans (mostly Amphipoda), 2 species of echinodermata (Echinoidea and Ophiuroidea). The average biomass in the depth range 25–200 m was 242±116 g/m2 where average density was 306±51 organisms/m2. The most high values of biomass were observed in the outlet parts of the rivers Zhupanova, Semyachik, Kronotskaya, where contribution of sea dollar Echinarachnius parma communities was principal. Despite fluctuations of the biomass of particular taxons during 50 years, the total biomass keeps stable (206–242 g/m2). Like in 1949 E. parma plays the main role in most bottom communities.

Abnormalities in the ovaries of sockeye salmon spawners in the Kamchatka River in 2019

Based on histological analysis of the ovaries of sockeye salmon spawners in the Kamchatka River, numerous abnormalities leading to resorption are shown in the structure of vitellogenic oocytes. Fertility of mature female sockeye salmon decreases due to the resorption of the vitellogenic oocytes. Presence of ovaries with abnormal oocytes implies oocyte resorption in fish being a phenomenon associated with mechanism of natural regulation of final fertility. Such mechanism is required in view of changing fish body length and weight in the sockeye salmon of the Kamchatka River. Numerous abnormalities in the ovaries indicate of a decreasing reproductive capacity of spawners and commercial quality of the eggs.

Some biological characteristics of the Far Eastern sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) from the Severnaya Bay of the Slavyanka Gulf (Japan Sea)

Some of biological traits of the Far Eastern sea cucumber from the Severnaya Bay were examined in 2016 and 2017. Body length of sea cucumber individuals varied from 3.6 to 23.4 cm. Dermo-muscular bag weight was higher in 2017 (137.5 g). Individual ages were 1–4 years in 2016 and 1–5 years in 2017. Sex ratio was near 1:1 in 2016 and 2017. During the period of the research gonad index was maximal in June – 10.6%. Spawning began in the 2nd decade of June and finished in the 2nd decade of July.

Some data on the biology of stone cockscomb Alectrias alectrolophus (Stichaeidae) from the Tauysk Bay of the Sea of Okhotsk

On the basis of the materials collected in the period of 2010–2018 the features of biology: the size-age structure, linear growth pattern and body mass growth of the stone cockscomb Alectrias alectrolophus from the Tauysk Bay, the Sea of Okhotsk, have been studied. In the intertidal zone, in the period from May to September, individuals of this species the body length 31.2–133.4 mm and body weight 0.1–12.8 g at the age of up to 6+ years are found in large quantities. The size and age characteristics, rates of growth of females and males are quite similar, but in general, females are slightly larger than males.

Spring distribution of capelin Mallotus villosus catervarius in the eastern part of the Sea of Okhotsk in 2000–2019

Data on the local distribution of capelin in the eastern part of the Sea of Okhotsk in 2000–2019 are very limited. Maps of the distribution were made based on results of complex pelagic surveys in 2000–2019. It is demonstrated, that spring distribution of capelin in the Eastern Sea of Okhotsk varied depending temperature conditions in each particular year. Major aggregations of capelin were observed within Shelikhov Gulf in spring. In the “cold” years these aggregations were in the south-western part of the West Kamchatkan shelf, and in the “warm” years – in the north-western part. In sense of bathymetric distribution the main body of the capelin aggregations was observed in the upper part of the shelf at the depth <125 m at the temperatures bit lower zero.

Walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus, Pallas, 1814) fishery, size and age composition, state of stocks and catch prospects in the waters adjacent to Kamchatka peninsula and Northern Kuril Islands

The article provides data on the catch of the Northern Okhotsk, Eastern Kamchatka and Western Bering Sea walleye pollock stocks, fishery structure by the fishing gears in 2016–2019, size and age composition of the fish in the commercial trawl and Danish seine catches in 2010–2019. Data on the generation abundance and stock condition indices used in the stock assessment models are also demonstrated. Interannual dynamics of the total and spawning stock biomass, determinants of the dynamics and prospects of fishing are analyzed.