Results of economic usage of the pacific salmon resources in the Sakhalin-Kuril region in 2023

Abstract

Pacific salmon fishery in the Sakhalin-Kuril region in 2023 is considered. The landing of 78.2.103 t was forecasted but the actual annual catch was 75.8.103 t or 97 % of the forecast. This ratio was the following for the mass species: pink salmon — 34643 t forecasted and 34402 t actually caught (99.3 %), chum salmon — 41650 t forecasted and 39265 t actually caught (94.0 %). Data on escapement of pink salmon producers to the spawning grounds are provided. The run of pink salmon producers was rather weak in the rivers of Aniva Bay and Patience/Terpeniya Bay, but close to mean values or even stronger in other areas of Sakhalin Island. However, low return of pink salmon producers to the coast of Iturup Island was noted; some suggestions about the reasons are discussed. Efficiency of the fishcounting barrier in the Krasnoarmeysky Strait (in Lake Tunaicha basin) is analyzed on the data obtained in 2022–2023. In order to prevent suffocation of chum salmon, installation of the barrier is recommended on August 20–25, with the purposes to count the migrating fish and to remove excessive producers after the mass run beginning (approximately from September 6–10). On the experience in resolving the conflict of interest between fish farms in 2023, the measures for optimal management of commercial fishery are proposed for the Strategy of pacific salmon fishery in Sakhalin Region in 2024 that include appropriate restrictions for fishing when the forecasted values of chum salmon are landed.