The revision of the herbarium of the Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO), which includes expeditionary collections of seaweed from the coastal zone of the Barents Sea and Novaya Zemlya, and research of own herbarium material, made it possible to specify and supplement the species composition of the macrophytobenthos of the Murmansk coast and the Novaya Zemlya. The check-list of marine algae of the Barents Sea records 223 species. Among them 88 species belong to class Phaeophyceae, 46 — to Chlorophyta and 89 — to Rhodophyta. 5 species — Sphacelaria rigidula, Acrochaetium microscopicum, Melobesia membranacea, Meiodiscus concrescens, Rhodomela tenuissima — are new for the Russian side of the Barents Sea. 117 species of seaweeds were detected on the Murman coast: 44 — Phaeophyceae, 24 — Chlorophyta, 48 — Rhodophyta, and 4 of them were new for this region. In the coastal zone of Novaya Zemlya 61 species of seaweed were found: 17 — Phaeophyceae, 8 — Chlorophyta, 36 — Rhodophyta, and 7 of them were new.

Approach to estimation of biological condition of schoolmaster squid improved during investigations in Russia. Some scales of reproductive system condition were used. Simple scale divided in four maturity stages were offered in TINRO in early 1970-es. Another maturity scales for squids were created in VNIRO and AtlantNIRO a bit later. All these scales were based on investigations of gametogenesis and reproductive strategy of oceanic ommastrephid squids and offered for use in examination of many species of squids. Peculiarities of schoolmaster squid reproductive strategy and gametogenesis were not taken into account by these universal scales. More detailed periodization of reproductive system was offered as a result of more deep study of gametogenesis. First specialized scale of reproductive system condition for schoolmaster squid was offered in 1996. Long-term part-by-part spawning period of schoolmaster squid was taken in account in this scale. This scale was refined subsequently in VNIRO for use not only in reproductive system periodization, but for ontogenesis periodization of schoolmaster squid at all. Description of scale used in VNIRO at present is given in the present paper.

The paper discusses the long-term prospects for the sprat (Sprattus sprattus balticus) fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone and the territorial sea of Russia in the 26th ICES subdivision of the Baltic Sea under various scenarios of the situation, depending on the age composition of the sprat, its abundance and biomass, and the impact of cod predation. The analysis of the main trends of oceanographic processes associated with the change in the average annual temperature, salinity and oxygen concentrations in the surface and near-bottom layers of the sea is analyzed. The upper and lower limits of the possible catch of sprat by domestic fishing organizations up to 2025 are determined, as well as the most probable scenario due to the changing abiotic factors. Prognostic assessments of the possible capacity of domestic Baltic sprat catch can serve as reference points for fishery organizations in the planning of fishing loads, including within the task of achieving a balance between fishing capacities and raw materials base for the next few years.

The article represents an analysis of biostatistical materials of the Baltic herring Clupea harengus membras from Russian research surveys and commercial catches in the ICES subdivision 26th of the Baltic Sea in 2011–2017. Russian herring catches are consisted of two groups of spring-spawning herring which amount is more than 90%. Coastal herring has dominated in the catches during the whole study period. Also a significant contribution to the overall herring catch was made by the open-sea herring, the average annual proportion of which was approximately 25% in numbers. Recently, there was an increase in the number of the open-sea herring in Russian catches. The largest catch was recorded in 2012 (4.5 thousand tons, 76.1 million specimens) and 2016–2017 (more than 3.5 thousand tons and 80 million specimens annually). The catch of the dominant coastal group has increased from the minimal 1.9 (2011) to 9.6 thousand tons in 2015, and then declined to 6.9 thousand tons during the last two years. Last three years, open-sea herring consists 30–40% of herring catches every quarter, while earlier it was maximum represented only in catches of the third quarter. Age structure of this herring group has changed: 3–6-year-old fish (especially the 3-year-olds of the abundant year-class of 2014) prevailed in 2016–2017, while in 2013–2015 individuals of older age groups (8 + group) were more numerous. The average weight-at-age of the open-sea herring in all age groups is lower than weight-at-age of the coastal herring. We had not reveal the influence of the increasing number in open-sea herring on the average size and age parameters of all herring caught in the 26th subdivision in 2017.

The Mediterranean horse mackerel Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus is one of the mass fish species in the pelagic of the Black Sea. Studying of the interannual (2010–2015) changes in the intensity of the glow of the hydrobionts, which characterizes the state of the phyto- zooplankton community of the pelagial,was carried out and its relation to the age distribution and growth rates of the horse mackerel inhabiting the coastal waters of the southwestern shelf of the Crimea (the Black Sea) was found. It is shown that the intensity of glow of organisms in winter that characterizes the state of the plankton community of the pelagic determines the features of its development in the subsequent spring and summer periods and, as a consequence, affects the size and weight characteristics and the relative number of age groups of the mackerel in the spring-summer period in the coastal waters of the Heracleian peninsula. It was obtained that changes in the glow of organisms in winter and the relative number of yearlings and two-year-olds in coastal waters are characterized by a negative correlation coefficient, that is, when the intensity of the glow of the plankton community decreases in the winter period, the relative number of yearlings and two-year-olds increases in spring-summer catches of horse mackerel. It is noted that in the years characterized by a higher intensity of glow of organisms in May, the development of horse mackerel is more intense and in these years the individuals of horse mackerel grow well and gain weight. This is confirmed by a rather high correlation coefficient, which for horse mackerel of different age groups is within r = 0,73–0,84. The obtained results can be used in the commercial fishing in predicting the age composition and size and weight characteristics of horse mackerel in spring-summer catches.

A study on the biological state of the Greenland turbot was carried out based on the bottom survey data collected at the ≪TINRO≫ research vessel in 2015 in the northwestern part of the Bering Sea. Size and age characteristics of the Greenland turbot aggregations are considered depending on the depth of the capture. The characteristic of the rate of its linear and weight growth is given, variability in the sex ratio is analyzed depending on the size and age. A distinctly pronounced increase in the size-age indices with depth is considered typical for the Greenland turbot in the northwestern part of the Bering Sea. The highest rate of linear growth of turbot is observed in the first years of life, then decreases slight. The rate of weight growth increases with age, in females more than in males. The beginning of maturation of the Greenland turbot in the northwestern part of the Bering Sea is considered at the age of 5 years, male turbot reaches maturity at the age of 8, females — at the age of 10 years. Males mature faster for 2 years earlier than females and much earlier than females drop out of the population. Large old age fish are represented only by females. Comparative analysis of the obtained results with those presented in the literature showed the similarity of the linear halibut growth data of the northwestern part of the Bering Sea and the turbot of the Pacific waters of southeastern Kamchatka and the Northern Kurile Islands. According to the parameters of the “lengthmass” dependence equation, the Greenland turbot of the northwestern part of the Bering Sea is close to the turbot of the eastern part of the Bering Sea and the Aleutian Islands.

The results of genetic variability of five variable microsatellite loci (Afug41, Afug51, An20, AoxD 161, AoxD 165) of stellate sturgeon, wild and artificial propagate juveniles of the Ural River are presented. Material submitted for the period 2014–2017. To assess the genetic diversity, the most informative are the loci Afug41, AoxD 161 and AoxD 165, which have the largest number of frequency-balanced alleles. Distribution of frequencies of genotypes at five microsatellite loci did not reveal intrapopulation differentiation among the spawning migrants, naturally spawned juveniles and fingerlings obtained by artificial reproduction at sturgeon fish farm hatchery of the Ural River from different years. At loci (An20, Afug51 and), there is a decrease in allelic diversity in the artificially propagate juveniles in 2014–2016 relative to the spawning migrants and wild juveniles of stellate sturgeon. These losses are still insignificant, since for the artificial reproduction at the Ural River of the Ural River, currently the producers are not from aquaculture, but from the natural environment and with high natural polymorphism.

In this article are shown results of research brook char musculature in different postnatal period stages. Special attention is given to early stages of fish growth, such as prelarval and larval stages. Authors are describes specificity of histostructure of muscular tissue of youth brook char, depending on behavior feature during different postnatal period stages. Article gives comparative characteristics of musculature structure in yearly postnatal ontogenesis and 1-year-old individuals. On the early ontogenesis stages density of fish musculature is quite low and new fibers are formed. Later, in 60 days age, muscular density reaches high values. This related to transition to external feeding. When the juveniles grow, the hypertrophy process begins to prevail over the hyperplasia process, in result diameter of the fibers increase. In one year old age all organism systems are formed, but somatic growth activity is still positive due to musculature. The findings can be used to regulate somatic growth of fish in aquaculture with controlled environment.

The composition of leukocytes reflects the species and ecological characteristics of fish, and the ratio of individual cell types is the functional state of the organism and the nature of the influence of biotic and abiotic stress factors. Currently, the leukocyte composition is well studied in representatives of various systematic and ecological groups, however, comparative analysis in marine and freshwater fish of one family is not enough, whereas it is important for assessing the quality of the habitat and the state of fish health. To obtain such data, a study was made of the composition of leucocytes of navaga and burbot-valuable codshaped representatives of the order Gadiformes. Navaga was caught at the Belomorsk Biological Station of the Moscow State University. ON. Pertsov on the northwestern coast of the Kandalaksha Gulf of the White Sea in August 2014, and burbot on the Volga ridge of the Rybinsk Reservoir in December-January 2014–2015. A comparative study of leukograms Navaga and burbot showed a difference in the percentage ratio of some cellular elements, but significant differences were recorded in the content of neutrophils and blast cell forms in peripheral blood. The revealed insignificant differences between the indices of the fish species under study are probably related to the season of the year and specific features.

The article provides brief information about the features of the hydrological and hydrobiological regimes of the Oka River within the boundaries of the Moscow Region, depending on the morphological structure of the river course and the character of the bottom substrates. The structure of the catches of the smooth and ring networks, as well as the fry net on different biotopes of the channel zone and the subordinate system of the Moscow sections of the Oka River in the long-term aspect is described. The structure of the ichthyocenosis of the medial and ripal zones of the river, as well as the reservoirs of its subordinate system, has been established. The current composition of the ichthyofauna and the occurrence of individual fish and fish-like species of the Oka River in the boundaries of the Moscow region are shown. The state of populations of rare invasive fish species and cyclostomes is briefly characterized. The question of the influence of individual natural and anthropogenic factors on the quantitative indicators of fish ichthyomass dynamics in the river channel zone depending on the season of the year and the features of the bottom relief is considered.

The paper analyzes the state of marine fish stocks in the Caspian Sea. The size of the commercial stock of 7 species of marine fish (common sprat Clupeonella cultriventris caspia, anchovy sprat Clupeonella engrauliformis, big-eyed sprat Clupeonella grimmi, dolgina herring Alosa braschnikowii, Caspian pheasant Alosa caspia caspia, large-eyed scallop Alosa saposchikowii, aterina Atherina boyeri caspia, mullet Liza aurata has been estimated. The forecasts of recommended fish catches and their development are given. The history of the development of biological resources catch up before the ban on sea fishing and afterwards. It has been established that at present marine species of fish living in the Caspian Sea are the reserves of the fishery, except anchovy and large-eyed sprat. The efficiency of reproduction of ordinary sprat per year is maintained at the level of the average long-term indicators. Stocks are stable, it is recommended to increase the catch of the species. The conditions of which it is possible to fish more than 100,000 tons of fish are listed.

The main source of statistical data on the annual catch of pelagic, demersal, passage and semi-migratory fish in the Black Sea-Crimean fishing area and the catches of the Crimean fishing organizations in the Black Sea during 2014–2017 were the reports of the Crimean fish protection agencies of the State Fishery Agency of Ukraine (2000–2013) and information provided by the Azov-Black Sea territorial administration of the Federal Agency for Fisheries. Brief information on the biology, migration and production of 8 species/species/subspecies groups of the commercial fish from the ichthyofauna near the coast of the Crimea, as well as a characteristic of their catches dynamics in 2000–2017 were shown. It was noted that during the considered period positive trends of annual catches were observed in Azov anchovy, Black Sea horse mackerel, mullet, goatfishes and Black Sea turbot, and negative ones in Black Sea anchovy, Black Sea sprat and so-iuy mullet. The main reasons for the changes in the annual fish catches in the Black Sea-Crimean fishing area and in general in the Russian waters of the Black Sea were discussed, as well as the immediate prospects for the Crimean fisheries.

Sturgeon hybridization is a traditional way to increase the productivity in commercial aquaculture of Russian Federation. In recent years, hybridization of sturgeon was to obtain products with desired quality, such as breeds with early ripening periods and a short spawning interval for caviar production, or hybrids with the body shape and chemical composition for smoked balyk products. As a rule, the biology of cultivation objects and the technological properties of their food products are considered independently of each other whereas the properties of sturgeon hybrids are undoubtedly affected by growing conditions — temperature, water and feed quality, the pre-sale treatment of fish. The mass-size, chemical composition, functional and technological properties of the muscle tissue and the quality indicators of the marketable Bester × Russian sturgeon hybrid, cultivated in RAS under different pre-slaughter conditions were studied. Keeping the fish at low temperature and without feed caused a decrease in the level of lipids in the muscle tissue, which led to a noticeable change in the proportion of fillets in fasting fish. However, for hybrids left at low temperature without feed, the yield of gutted fish decreased slightly (by 2.3%), and the yield of the carcass is comparable to that for hybrids with unchanged growing conditions. It is shown that keeping hybrids for 10 days at low temperature (12.5 °C) without feed has a positive effect on the quality and structure-forming properties of the products obtained which is manifested in reducing the taste and smell of silt in meat and its denser consistency. Studies of the nutritional value and functional and technological quality of Bester × Russian sturgeon hybrid has allowed to recommend it for manufacturing of a wide range of food products (balyk, smoked, canned and structured products).

Hydroacoustic stimulator is necessary technical device, defining efficiency in technology of fish feeding behavior management. This technology helps to increase pasturable and industrial fish aquaculture as well as to develop recreational fishery. This article represents various designs of hydroacoustic stimulators, developed on modern element base, with cooperation “VNIRO” and Vector Marine Electronics, Ltd (“Vector”). This article also presents results of their technical characteristics measurements in comparison with its earlier version, created by “VNIRO” scientists, that was used during works with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), conducted in the bay Tagalakht (Saaremaa Island) of the Baltic Sea. As a result of the measurements of various design stimulators range, the mobile hydroacoustic complex has been created. This technical complex was successfully used during assessment work of relocation potential of earlier trained fish community on the water area of the experimental polygon of the Vazuzsky reservoir.

The creation of the research vessel of a new generation for fishing research purposes is considered. The features of classification of existing types of integrated centers for outboard operations within the decklaboratory complex are given. The centers of outboard operations are considered for 20 research vessels built from 2011 to the planned commissioning in 2018 with a maximum length of 42 to 116 m, designed to work in the coastal seas and in the ocean waters of high latitudes. The centers of outboard operations are divided into five types depending on the composition, configuration and disposition of its main elements. Each type of centers of outboard operations is illustrated. Design features and characteristics of the main elements of the centers of outboard operations are presented in tables. Area for outboard operations, hangars for storage and maintenance of submersible equipment, winches and LARS, which can include various types of crane beams, telescopic booms and cranes are also described.

The first fishery research vessel of new generation ≪Victor Angelescu≫ came to Argentina in September 2017. The ship is capable to fulfill all types of fisheries researches. Designing and building is developed by Spanish shipyard Armon de Vigo with taking into account ICES Recommendations N 209 regarding reduction of ship noise. As a result, according to American ship register the vessel had been classified as low noise one. It allows to carry out fisheries researches using scientific echo sounder EK‑80. Design features and scientific qualities of the vessel are described.

Trawl survey was performed in the Pacific waters of the Kuril Islands and in open waters of the Pacific Ocean during the summer of 2018. The abundance and biomass of Pacific salmons in the period of their pre-anadromous migrations to the rivers of the Okhotsk Sea basin were surveyed in the upper epipelagic zone, and the main concentrations of the pink salmon producers were outlined. Data on spatial distribution, density, biological state of other mass fish species in the northwestern Pacific were obtained. Estimates of the abundance and biomass of migrating pink salmon on an area of more than 1 million km2 showed record results of 1.1 billion individuals and 913 thousand tons, respectively.

In May 2018, in the coastal waters of the Varanger fjord of the Barents Sea, a hydrobiological survey was conducted aimed at studying the patterns of natural reproduction of a number of commercial objects and their food base. The main objects of study were the red king crab, scallops, sea urchins, seaweeds of the sublittoral complex and some other objects of benthos. The research included work with SCUBA at depths up to 30 m, the submersible video cameras at depths up to 60 m and some other underwater devices. 12 hydrobiological transects from the water edge to 30 m were completed, 24 video screens of the distribution of bottom landscapes and associated biocenoses were photographed, more than 500 specimens of red king crab, 219 specimens of sea scallops and 283 sea urchins were biological analyzed. A series of data on the distribution of temperature at different horizons is obtained. Five samples of benthos were selected on pebbles. An estimation of the species composition and the projective coverage of the main algae species of the littoral and sublittoral on the control sites were described. The collected materials will be used to assess the recent state of the stocks of commercial species and to identify factors that affect the conditions for their natural reproduction.