Distribution of catches of aquatic biological resources in the Russian waters of the Bering Sea by areas, dates and fishing gear

Abstract

   The purpose of the work: revealing the features of the distribution of the catches of aquatic biological resources by area, timing and fishing gear in the course of modern fishery in the Russian waters of the Bering Sea.   Methods used: the catches of marine fish and invertebrates were considered based on operational information on the fishery according to the data of daily ship reports of the sectoral monitoring system. The ratio of the catch of the main species of aquatic biological resources and by-catch objects in 10 fishing gear was analyzed according to the data of 50 marine and 28 coastal expeditions.   Novelty: elements of novelty are generalized materials on the spatial and bathymetric distribution of the catch of the main fishing objects for the fishing industry in the western part of the Bering Sea for the period 2003–2021. The distribution of catches of aquatic organisms is given by types of vessels used in the fishery, depths and terms of fishing, as well as various fishing gear. Data on the ratio in commercial catches of both individual fish species and some species in the combined groups of «flounders», «rockfishes», «sculpins», «skates» and «grenadiers» are presented.   Practical significance: the results of this study can be used in forecasting the dynamics of stocks of aquatic biological resources, creating a system of interlocked quotas and formulating recommendations for the transition of specialized fisheries to multi-species fisheries.