The research vessel "Vilnius" carried out work in the waters of the eastern part of the Barents Sea. The total duration was 60 days. During the research, about 7660 nautical miles were covered. Weather conditions favored research activities, which allowed for all the necessary observations.
Scientists performed a trawl survey of bottom fish species, obtained data on the distribution, size and age composition of commercial species of aquatic organisms, made preliminary calculations of abundance and biomass indices.
In the water area of the survey, the recorded capelin biomass was more than 3 times higher than the level of 2020 (and 21 times the level of 2019). These indicators allow us to optimistically consider the prospects of capelin fishing as early as 2022. Based on the data obtained, a joint Working Group with Norwegian researchers to assess the capelin stock (taking into account the results of the combined studies) recommended setting the total allowable catch of this fish for 2022 in the amount of 70 thousand tons, 40% of which will fall to Russia.
The indices of abundance and biomass of sea flounder, ruff flounder and haddock have significantly increased.
The indices of the number of black halibut and beaked perch have slightly decreased.
In the water area of the survey in 2021, denser clusters of northern shrimp were found. Previously, its accounting catches remained close to last year's level, which indicates a stable state of the stock of this invertebrate species.
During the research, experts have noted 6 species of marine mammals and 24 species of birds.
VNIRO Press Service