The material was collected in the Northern Caspian Sea off the coast of the Republic of Kalmykia, at fish reception and storage sites in Lagan and in inland waters (Sostinsky Lakes). A complete biological analysis and mass measurements of fish were carried out. Depth measurements, temperature measurements, transparency and oxygen content in the water were carried out. Water samples were taken for hydrochemical analysis. The obtained materials will be used to calculate commercial fish stocks, determine total allowable catches (TOC) and recommended catch of aquatic biological resources.
As of March 20, the catch in the Kalmyk fishing zone of the Northern Caspian Sea amounted to 185 tons, including traded and "other". Carp dominates among the studied fish, its share is 47%, pike is 32% subdominant, catfish is in third place – 11.0%. Of the other freshwater fish, crucian carp predominate – 35%. It should be noted that fishing was not carried out for approximately 10 days in March due to strong northwesterly winds with gusts up to 9-10 m/s. With a drop in sea level and high winds, the obstruction of the Lagan Canal for small vessels is aggravated.
In March, the catch on the Sostinsky lakes was 2.3 tons. Bream (44%), carp (23%) and crucian carp (22%) prevailed. Fishing is carried out with fixed nets. Fishing was irregular and depended on weather conditions and the possibility of selling fish, as individual entrepreneurs do not have refrigeration facilities at fishing sites. In addition, there are frequent strong winds with gusts up to 20 m/sec. They also had a negative impact on the course of fishing.
VNIRO Press Service