Assessment of the biological status of commercial crab species in the northwestern part of the Sea of Okhotsk in 2024

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to evaluate the biological status of the main commercial crab species in the northwestern part of the Sea of Okhotsk based on the results of direct accounting. Materials and methods. From 13.08 to 10.10. 2024, data was collected in the range of 11-104 m. Lithodidae crabs (the red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus, the blue king crab P. platypus and the brown king crab P. brevipes) and crabs Majoidea (the snow crab Chionoecetes opilio) were studied. Sampler – cone traps. The database was created and processed using standard methods of fisheries research. The parameters describing their biological state in the summer and autumn period are given for crabs. Commercial and statistical information on functional groups is given to mass species. Results. In the North Okhotsk subzone, there is an increase in the commercial biomass of P. camtschaticus due to an increase in the number of older size and age groups of postrecruits and the spatial expansion of this group northward from the Ayano-Shantarsky district. In the population P. platypus currently has a significant increase in the number of all functional groups in areas located west of 147°Е. The crab P. brevipes was not common during the research period and only west of 147°Е. The crab C. opilio is in satisfactory condition in the research area, which is typical for this water area, the crab was represented by a stunted group west of 147°Е. and the usual group to the east. Practical significance. The results of the trap survey will be taken into account in the prognostic materials for establishing the total allowable catches for P. camtschaticus, P. platypus, P. brevipes and C. opilio in the Northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk.