02 July 2024

Results of studies of the spawning part of the population of Kaluga and Amur sturgeon in the river. Amur

The results of annual studies of the spawning part of the Amur sturgeon and Kaluga populations are summed up. In the lower reaches of the Amur River, specialists from the Khabarovsk branch of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO), together with colleagues from the Central Institute, carried out work to study the intensity of migration, estimate the number and study the biology of sturgeon spawners from May 10 to June 2.

A total of 58 rafts were carried out using three-walled smooth bottom nets. 79 specimens were noted in the catches. Kaluga and 119 copies. Amur sturgeon, of which 23 and 36 individuals were mature breeders of Kaluga and Amur sturgeon, respectively.

The spawning migration of spawners of both species in 2024 began at an earlier date for the lower reaches of the Amur - May 10. The duration of migration was 19 days for Kaluga and 20 days for Amur sturgeon. The average intensity of movement of Kaluga producers during work in 2024 was 0.4 specimens/raft, Amur sturgeon - 0.62 specimens/raft, which is higher than the figures for 2023. In the catches of both species, repeatedly spawning sturgeon individuals were noted (more than 210 cm, sturgeon more than 140 cm), their share for Kaluga was 13%, for sturgeon - 25%. The condition of the spawning part of the Amur sturgeon population should be assessed as good: spawners of both sexes are numerous.

All captured individuals of Kaluga and Amur sturgeon were sampled for molecular genetic studies to determine the contribution of artificial reproduction to the replenishment of Amur sturgeon stocks.

VNIRO press office