Results of monitoring of commercial crab species in the northwestern part of the Sea of Okhotsk in the summer of 2023

The purpose of the work is to collect fishing and statistical information and assess the biological condition of the main commercial crab species in the northwestern part of the Sea of Okhotsk in the summer.

Material and methods. The crab fishery was monitored on July 6–26, 2023. The main objects of study were of the red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) in the Ayano-Shantarsky area (I) at depths of 53–92 m and the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the open part of the North part of Okhotsk Sea at depths of 306–170 m (II). Data collection and processing, both of the main species and of crabs from by-catch, was carried out according to standard methods adopted in fisheries research.

Results. Biological parameters describing the biological state of crabs in the summer season are given for all crabs noted in the catches. For the mass species of crabs observed in catches, fishing and statistical information on functional groups is presented. In the Northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk, landfill 1 is the main area of P. camtschaticus withdrawal with a high level of its abundance and a stable fishing stock. The blue king crab (P. platypus) was often found in by-catch at landfill 1, it has significant fishing potential for the catch areas. The fishing stock of C. opilio in the catch area (landfill — 2) is in satisfactory condition.

Practical significance. Fishery and biological information on P. camtschaticus, P. platypus and C. opilio will be included in the prognostic materials for establishing the total allowable catches in the northwestern part of the Sea of Okhotsk.

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