Reproduction, stock status and fishery for walleye pollock in Peter the Great Bay in the modern period

The aim of the study is to analyze the current state of reproduction, resources and pollock fishery in Peter the Great Bay.

Result: It is shown that the increase in pollock abundance is associated with the appearance of a strong yearclass of 2014 in Peter the Great Bay. Pollock biomass has increased significantly, mass spawning has resumed in traditional spawning areas, commercial catch of pollock increased to record levels. However, during the three spawning seasons of the year-class 2014 there was no significant recruitment, so the fish stock is expected to return to a low level.

Novelty: The results of scientific research conducted in the Peter the Great Bay in 2019–2022 made it possible to obtain new data on the reproduction, current state and structure of pollock stock.

Practical significance: The obtained estimates of the current state and structure of pollock stock will be used for short-term and long-term forecasts.

Research methods: The data of research bottom trawl and ichthyoplankton surveys and pollock catch statistics from the Industry Monitoring System (OSM «Fishing») were used.

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