Современное состояние биологии, запасов и промысла атерины (Atherina boyeri caspia (Eichwald)) в западной части Среднего и Северного Каспия

Abstract

The article considers the original results of observations and analysis of the catches of atherina (Atherina boyeri caspia (Eichwald)) by months by stationary nets in the Terek-Caspian fishery subarea (Republic of Dagestan). The size-weight and age indicators of the spawning stocks of atherina have been characterized. For the first time in recent years the conditions for atherina spawning in the western part of the Middle and Northern Caspian are described. All biostatistical indicators of atherina obtained in the recent years (2016–2021) are listed: average linear weight parameters, average fatness coefficient according to Fulton (0.944) indicate a high fattening of fish. Size and weight composition of females and males, age-related fluctuations in length and weight, comparative analysis of atherina concentrations, characteristics of atherina reproduction in the conditions of the Northern and Middle Caspian, fecundity of different age groups, quantitative distribution of roe, larvae and fry of atherina, as well as dynamics of the age composition from catches prove a satisfactory state of stocks of this fish species. Comparative analyses of autumn concentrations of atherina in the Middle Caspian in 1958–1963 and in 2018–2021 are presented, as well as spp/h of trawling, age-related fluctuations in the length and weight in the autumn period (2016–2021). It has been found that atherina in the Caspian Sea is the main object of by-catch when fishing for kilka with stationary seines (in average 56.3 tons per year); it plays an important role as a food component for many fish species (sea herring, sturgeon) and mammals (Caspian seal) living in the waters of the Caspian Sea. Prospective volumes of processing atherina for fishmeal are also considered for the first time. On the scale of the Caspian Sea, with intensive kilka fishing by stationary seines as by-catch, it is possible to catch atherina in the amount of 150–200 tons. Despite the small volumes, they would significantly cover the deficit in the fish feed. Due to the increasing population of atherina in the natural conditions it is required to actively involve atherina in the fishing processes of the organizations in order to maximize the development of the commercial stock.