Scientists from the Azov-Black Sea branch of VNIRO conducted scientific observation work in the waters of Antarctica

 

“These studies are a continuation of the long-term work of Russian scientific observers who have been participating in the Antarctic toothfish fishery in the CCAMLR zone since 2004 to the present. Such activities are the most important component of Russia's presence in Antarctica and the key to the effectiveness of domestic vessel fishing in conventional waters,” Alexander Konstantinovich emphasized.

 

The report noted that scientific observation work in the Antarctic toothfish longline fishery was carried out in accordance with the CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) Scheme for Scientific Observations (SISO) and was carried out on the Russian longline vessel Alpha Crux in the Pacific part of Antarctica from October 21, 2024 to February 23, 2025. There were two scientific observers on board the vessel: Alexander Zaitsev from the Russian Federation, and Erick Siyabulela Lumkwana - a scientific observer from South Africa, appointed on the basis of a bilateral agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Africa.

 

As part of the scientific voyage, the VNIRO specialist successfully completed the entire range of work envisaged by the program of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. Its tasks included: monitoring the vessel's compliance with all measures to preserve CCAMLR aquatic biological resources during fishing, studying the biology and distribution of the target fish species and bycatch fish, the relationship of birds with fishing gear, and monitoring the vessel's compliance with all parameters to prevent incidents of pollution of Antarctic waters. In addition, a number of tasks were solved to collect primary material to determine the age of toothfish (collection of otoliths), tag fish, and many other issues related to the restriction of fishing in the Antarctic region.

 

It should be noted that after a three-year break, Russian vessels resumed fishing in Antarctic waters. Submission of the data obtained during the voyage to CCAMLR will ensure future access of domestic vessels to this type of fishing.

 

The otoliths collected during the voyage will serve as the basis for continuing the work required by CCAMLR to determine the age of Antarctic toothfish, the size and age composition of fish in catches in various areas of the Ross and Amundsen Seas. And environmental activities, including monitoring illegal fishing, the safety of Antarctic birds and mammals, and the prevention of waste dumping, can become an example for other regions of the World Ocean in terms of preserving biological diversity and ensuring environmental stability.

 

VNIRO Press Service