Along with traditional methods of monitoring the state of Corfo-Karaginsky herring stocks, the first experience of using an unmanned aerial vehicle for aerial visual surveillance was obtained.
Traditionally, the forecast of the total allowable catch of this object is based on the results of research during the spawning period (May) and during the feeding and wintering of herring (November–December), while research on spawning grounds through aerial surveys is of paramount importance.
The tasks of the expedition include conducting aerial visual surveys and delineating areas of herring spawning, assessing the intensity of spawning and the size of the spawning stock, determining the biological characteristics of herring, and investigating the conditions of reproduction.
According to the head of the expedition, Semyon Veselov, despite the difficult meteorological situation, the main spawning grounds located in the bays of Corfu, Uala and Anapa were examined for a little over 12 flight hours, samples of spawning substrate with caviar deposited on it were collected, and hydrological studies were performed.
According to experts, the first approaches of herring, as well as its spawning, began on May 5-6. The largest accumulation of herring, as in the previous year, was noted in Anapa Bay, and the peak of spawning of Korfo-Karaginsky herring in the research area this year occurred on May 9-10, which approximately coincides with the spawning dates in 2024-2025.
A distinctive feature of this year's work is the testing of new methods of aerial visual accounting using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The first experience has shown that a drone can be a good helper for clarifying any details, identifying certain features of the area under study directly on the spawning ground itself. In the future, the specialists plan to continue and expand work in this promising area.
Currently, the data obtained and the collected biomaterials are being processed. The research results will be used to assess the current and prospective state of stocks, substantiate the ODE of the Corfo-Karaginsky herring in the Karaginsky subzone for 2028.
VNIRO Press Service
