The annual ecosystem survey of the Barents Sea has been completed

 

The survey was conducted across the vast waters of Russia's exclusive economic zone, the open part of the Barents Sea, and Norway's exclusive economic zone.

 

Specialists from the Polar Branch of the Russian State Research Center "All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography" (VNIRO) observed habitat conditions, food resources, and the distribution of aquatic organisms. They compiled a biological dataset for more than 60 fish species and 200 invertebrate species. The survey's main objectives were completed on time, in accordance with a methodology that fosters a systematic approach to studying the Barents Sea.

 

A key feature of this survey is the comprehensive census of all biological species in the catches, an analysis of biodiversity, interspecies relationships, and much more. During the voyage, the vessel traveled more than 7,000 nautical miles. Scientists measured over 70,000 fish and collected a large number of samples to analyze the age and nutrition of the aquatic organisms. Using parasitological necropsies, commercial fish were examined for parasite larvae that are dangerous and potentially dangerous to human health. More than 19,000 fish of eleven commercial species and 156 snow crabs were examined for pathologies.

 

VNIRO Press Service