VNIRO scientists have begun research into deep-sea crab species in the northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk

 

The research work will be carried out in the North-Okhotsk subzone and the central part of the Sea of Okhotsk in August-September of this year on the research vessel “Zodiac”.

 

In total, the expedition plans to set up 55 counting stations at depths from 350 to 1000 m.

 

The main objects of research will be deep-sea crabs and craboids, as well as gastropods (trumpeters). Monitoring the accumulations of these aquatic organisms will help identify the dynamics of biological and density indicators to justify the amount of commercial extraction in certain areas. During the trap survey, their numbers, distribution features, size and mass characteristics, and reproduction biology will be assessed.

 

"These works are the next stage of long-term research by specialists of the Magadan branch of VNIRO on exploration and monitoring of stocks of mass species of commercial invertebrates in the northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk. These studies are important for sustainable management of natural resources and preservation of commercial stocks of these valuable commercial fish," commented the head of the Magadan branch of VNIRO Evgeny Metelev.

 

The collected materials will serve as the basis for preparing a forecast of the total permissible catch of the crab, snow crab opilio and angulatus, as well as for developing recommendations for the rational exploitation of the designated species.

 

Press service of VNIRO