As of late January, stable ice cover had not formed in Magadan's bays, so no recreational fishing activity was observed. Therefore, specialists from the Magadan branch of the Russian State Research Center of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) began monitoring recreational ice fishing for navaga and smelt (toothed and smallmouth) in their traditional fishing areas—the Olsky Estuary, Gertner Bay, and Nagayev Bay in the Tauyskaya Bay of the Sea of Okhotsk—in February only.
"Recreational fishing for these valuable fisheries in the Magadan Region has a long and thriving history," explained Evgeny Metelev, branch manager. "Every year, recreational fishermen begin catching smelt and navaga after stable ice cover has established in the bays and sunny, calm weather has set in. However, during the current winter season, weather conditions have prevented ice from accumulating along almost the entire coastline at the usual time."
Annual monitoring of this type of fishery involves assessing the total number of fishermen in the fishing areas, the average number of fishing gear per person, and the average catch per fish per hour of fishing by species. Ichthyological studies are also conducted, including measurements and biological analysis of the caught fish.
During the 2026 monitoring studies, it is planned to collect traditional biostatistical data on smelt, smallmouth smelt, navaga, and bycatch species, assess the status and structure of the catch, and use UAVs to more accurately, objectively, and quickly estimate the number of recreational fishers fishing.
The study will assess the dynamics and effectiveness of recreational fishing, as well as the total removal of aquatic biological resources, in seasonal and geographical terms.
VNIRO Press Service