Research in Antarctica is a continuation of the long-term work of Russian scientific observers who have been involved in Antarctic toothfish fishing in the CCAMLR zone since 2004. These studies are an essential component of Russia's presence in Antarctica and other conventional areas of the World Ocean.
Alexander Konstantinovich noted that scientific observation work at the Antarctic toothfish longline fishery was carried out in accordance with the CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) Scientific Observation Scheme (SISO). The entire range of work was carried out on the Russian longline vessel Alpha Crux during the 2025/2026 season in the Ross Sea.
According to CCAMLR requirements, there were two scientific observers on board the vessel: a national scientific observer from the Russian Federation, a VNIRO specialist, and an international scientific observer from the Republic of South Africa.
As part of the scientific voyage, the VNIRO specialist successfully completed the entire range of work provided for by the program of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. His tasks included: monitoring the ship's implementation of all measures to conserve CCAMLR's aquatic biological resources while fishing, studying the biology and distribution of the target species of fish and by-catch, the relationship of birds with fishing gear, and the ship's implementation of all parameters to prevent cases of Antarctic water pollution. In addition, a number of tasks were solved to collect primary material for determining the age of toothfish (collecting otoliths), tagging fish and many other issues related to the restriction of fishing in the Antarctic area.
Alexander Konstantinovich said that during the voyage, a biological analysis of more than 2.6 thousand Antarctic toothfish was carried out, and 277 fish were successfully tagged and released into their natural habitat. These data have high scientific value and allow us to more accurately assess the state of the Antarctic toothfish population.
In addition to fishing and data collection on the biology of harvested fish, environmental protection activities were also carried out, in particular, monitoring the safety of Antarctic birds and mammals, preventing waste dumping, etc. These works can serve as an example of environmental protection activities for other regions of the World Ocean.
The high-quality work of Russian scientific observers within the framework of international organizations such as CCAMLR and its high assessment by the Commission attest to the high level of fisheries science in the Russian Federation. These results confirm the effectiveness of Russian scientific research and its contribution to global efforts to preserve marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries management.
VNIRO Press Service