Fishing as an important source of food in the Arctic and subarctic zones of Yakutia

Abstract

Abstract The peculiarity of natural conditions of Yakutia plays an important role in the formation of economic activities of its population. A significant number of rivers and lakes are a favorable condition for the development and preservation of traditional fishing. Currently, more than 89% of the commercial fish catch is produced in the lower reaches of the large northern rivers and lakes in the Arctic and subarctic zones of Yakutia. The main part of this catch is whitefish species, which are valued for their fat content, protein content, culinary, and taste qualities. Fish is a valuable food product for the population of Yakutia. This article presents the results of the study on the nutritional value and the content of heavy metals in the Arctic cisco meat. The high content of fat and protein in the studied samples shows that the Arctic cisco meat belongs to high-protein and high-calorie products and has a high biological value. It was found that on average, the level of toxic metals in the Arctic cisco meat does not exceed the norms accepted in Russia for fish products. The data obtained suggest that the content of heavy metals in fish is due to the peculiarities of living conditions and environmental pollution. Over the past decades, the volume of fish production in Yakutia has been declining due to the socioeconomic and climatic factors. Due to the anthropogenic pollution of water in rivers and lakes by oil products and effluents and waste from various sectors of the economy, especially the mining industry, there is a reduction in the fish resources and there is a need to monitor the environmental condition of the fishing reservoirs and the fish food quality.