For 25 days, a scientific team consisting of ichthyologists, physiologists, geneticists, and hydrologists from the Southern Branch of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) conducted marine expeditionary research, covering the entire sea area, including adjacent areas of the Northern Azov region and Crimea. More than 100 survey stations were established.
During the expedition, extensive scientific data was collected on the state of the ichthyofauna of the Sea of Azov during the winter, including its distribution, abundance, and biomass. These data will help forecast stock dynamics and determine optimal harvest volumes for aquatic bioresources to ensure sustainable and rational fisheries.
Particular attention was paid to the haarder. Field research results obtained during this cruise showed that mullet in the Sea of Azov has once again begun to form dense and extensive wintering aggregations. During the cruise, mullet individuals were recorded throughout virtually the entire sea, with large aggregations observed in the central part of the sea. In the survey catches, mullet were most frequently represented by fish measuring 56-67 cm.
Russian sturgeon were present in the trawl catches at most survey stations. Individuals up to 135 cm in length were observed. By now, the Russian sturgeon stock in the Sea of Azov has reached such a level that these fish have once again begun to form wintering aggregations in their traditional areas of the northwestern part of the sea, something that has not been observed for over 20 years. Furthermore, a steady accumulation of commercial-sized individuals in the Russian sturgeon population has been observed, reported the cruise leader and chief specialist of the Sea of Azov Fish Laboratory, Roman Nadolinsky.
During the expedition, hydrological characteristics of the marine environment were also measured and biological samples were collected to analyze the physiological and biochemical status of turbot, mullet, and tulka spawners prior to spawning.
Further research will be continued in the branch's specialized laboratories. Scientists will analyze the collected data and develop population forecasts for commercial species. Based on these forecasts, recommendations will be developed for effective catch methods and volumes. These measures are aimed at the sustainable development of fisheries in the Azov-Black Sea basin and strengthening the country's food security.
VNIRO Press Service