Research has been conducted on the spawning approaches of the White Sea herring in the Onega Bay of the White Sea

 

The work included ichthyological, hydrobiological, hydrochemical, hydrological and meteorological observations during the spawning and incubation of the eggs of the White Sea herring. In 2025, the warming of water masses occurred much faster than the average long-term values ​​and without sharp temperature changes, the number of days with wind speeds above 6 m/s was low, and there was only one storm day during the work. Herring dominated in all catches, regardless of the strength and direction of the wind, which usually makes noticeable adjustments to the composition of catches, but no powerful spawning approaches were recorded during the observation period. Preliminary assessment of the ichthyoplankton survey results showed a low number of herring larvae in the study area. In the Onega Bay, herring spawning is spread out over time and occurs in several approaches, as a result of which larvae of different generations appear in the ichthyoplankton.

 

The by-catch, which made up 11% of the total catch, included Arctic flounder, Asian smelt, navaga, European flounder, northern dabble, pinagor, four-horned goby, European eelpout, whitefish, and bream.

 

During the research, samples of phytoplankton, ichthyo- and zooplankton, macrozoobenthos were collected, water samples were collected to determine the content of biogenic elements, assess the pollution of the habitat of aquatic bioresources with aluminum, oil products and phenols, pH measurements were taken, and water temperature and salinity indicators were monitored. Meteorological observations were conducted throughout the entire period of work.

 

All collected data will be used to prepare forecast materials and develop measures to regulate fisheries in this area, as well as to assess the habitat conditions of aquatic biological resources in the Onega Bay of the White Sea.

 

Press Service of VNIRO