Scientists from VNIRO are studying the mullet stocks in the Sea of ​​Azov

 

Significant changes have affected salinity and continental runoff, which play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological well-being of aquatic biological resources. Based on long-term observations of the aquatic biological resources' habitats, scientists from the Azov-Black Sea branch of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) have prepared a medium-term forecast for the development of the fishery's resource base in the Sea of ​​Azov through 2030. In this forecast, the most likely scenario is a gradual recovery of the mullet population and its strengthening as a leading fishery target.

 

From the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, mullet was a key commercial species in the Sea of ​​Azov. Its stock reached 50,000 tons, and the basin catch was 8,000-10,000 tons. However, high levels of commercial exploitation (including IUU fishing) and declining salinity in the Sea of ​​Azov have led to a gradual decline in its abundance and, consequently, catches.

 

After 2019, the hazel mullet stock exceeded the threshold (2,000 tons), and the increasing stock trend allowed for a gradual restoration of its commercial exploitation. Currently, the stock has reached 18,000-22,000 tons.

 

According to the current Fishing Regulations, specialized hazel mullet fishing is permitted in the autumn from September 1 to December 31 using fixed seines and mullet-lifting plants within a five-kilometer coastal zone of the sea. However, active fishing begins in early November, when the biomass of scyphozoan jellyfish declines, and mass aggregations of these jellyfish hinder effective fishing.

 

In early October, specialists from the Azov-Black Sea branch of VNIRO conducted coastal monitoring of the hazel mullet fishery in the Primorsko-Akhtarsky and Slavyansky districts. Hazel mullet was the predominant species caught in set net catches, with the following species recorded as bycatch: Russian sturgeon, pike perch, glossa flounder, stellate sturgeon, mullet, Azov turbot, and golden mullet.

 

The hazel mullet ranged in length from 42 to 70 cm and weighed from 1 to 4.5 kg. The majority of the catches were individuals measuring 44-47 cm and averaging 1.5 kg. The catch per set net ranged from 3 to 10 kg.

 

According to official statistics, as of October 15, 2025, the recommended hazel mullet catch was 50.4% utilized, 19.7% higher than last year's figures. The increase in catch in recent years is due to improved conditions for the spawning and development of hazel mullet in the Sea of ​​Azov.

 

Resource studies conducted by VNIRO specialists and fishery statistics fully confirm the scientists' predictions: hazel mullet is once again regaining its position as a key commercial fishery target in the Sea of ​​Azov.

 

 

VNIRO Press Service