Industrial Fisheries Research Articles

Distribution and habitat use by the Audouin's Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) in anthropized environments

Human activities provide wildlife with highly abundant and predictable food subsidies, which can affect population dynamics and have wide-ranging ecological impacts. A key ecological question is how species adapt their foraging behaviour to capitalize on these new feeding opportunities. We investigate habitat use by Audouin's Gulls (Ichthyaetus audouinii) off the Western Mediterranean Sea, an opportunistic seabird that has recently expanded to diverse breeding colonies subjected to varying degrees of human influence. By combining GPS tracking, remote sensing, and GIS, we assessed the resource selection and habitat preferences of gulls from five colonies across their breeding latitudinal range, including interactions with industrial fisheries. Overall, the use of terrestrial habitats was slightly higher (57 % of total positions) compared to the marine environment (42 %), with individuals preferentially feeding on urban and related areas or fishing ports. However, habitat utilization varied among studied colonies, likely in response to contrasting food availability and accessibility of human related food resources on land (e.g., agriculture and livestock areas, landfills or rice fields). At sea, individuals largely distributed over highly productive and persistent marine areas with intense fishing pressure. Individuals also adapted their daily activity patterns to match food availability: gulls preferentially feed on the marine environment during the night, while the use of terrestrial habitats increases during daylight hours. Individuals' daily activity patterns also matched that for the two main fishing gears operating in the area: diurnal trawlers and nocturnal purse-seiners. Our findings offer perspectives on the reliance of opportunistic seabird species on anthropogenic food subsidies and inform on potential implications for the conservation and management of these under changes in fishing policies (EU discard ban). Broadly, we provide further insights on how this species can adapt to changing environments.

Fisheries and biological characteristics and state of stocks of the main commercial fish species in Beloye Lake

The current composition of the ichthyofauna and the importance for fisheries of the main fish species in Beloye Lake (Vologda Region) is described in the article based on research materials from 2018 – 2022. The biological features and commercial use of twelve most valuable fish species are summarized as result of the composition of industrial and research catches studies. The size and age composition of catches, the age of puberty, the timing and conditions of spawning, and the feeding patterns of fishes were studied. The influence of net fishing gear with different mesh spacing on commercial fish populations and the magnitude of nets fishing productivity (fishing effort) were studied for the first time. The role of the most important fish species for industrial fisheries in Beloye Lake was assessed.

Fisheries in the Vologda region: current state and long-term dynamics of catches

The modern fisheries structure in the most important waterbodies of the Vologda region was discussed in the article. Regional characteristics of the main factors influencing industrial fisheries have been identified. The long-term dynamics of fish catches in the large lakes Beloye, Onega, Kubenskoye, Vozhe, reservoirs Rybinskoye and Sheksninskoye within the region were studied from 1973 to 2022. The importance of the main fish species for fisheries was established, and the seasonal dynamics of their industrial catch was examined. Amateur fisheries in the waterbodies of the Vologda region were described in the article.

Global fishing patterns amplify human exposures to methylmercury

Global pollution has exacerbated accumulation of toxicants like methylmercury (MeHg) in seafood. Human exposure to MeHg has been associated with long-term neurodevelopmental delays and impaired cardiovascular health, while many micronutrients in seafood are beneficial to health. The largest MeHg exposure source for many general populations originates from marine fish that are harvested from the global ocean and sold in the commercial seafood market. Here, we use high-resolution catch data for global fisheries and an empirically constrained spatial model for seafood MeHg to examine the spatial origins and magnitudes of MeHg extracted from the ocean. Results suggest that tropical and subtropical fisheries account for >70% of the MeHg extracted from the ocean because they are the major fishing grounds for large pelagic fishes and the natural biogeochemistry in this region facilitates seawater MeHg production. Compounding this issue, micronutrients (selenium and omega-3 fatty acids) are lowest in seafood harvested from warm, low-latitude regions and may be further depleted by future ocean warming. Our results imply that extensive harvests of large pelagic species by industrial fisheries, particularly in the tropics, drive global public health concerns related to MeHg exposure. We estimate that 84 to 99% of subsistence fishing entities globally likely exceed MeHg exposure thresholds based on typical rates of subsistence fish consumption. Results highlight the need for both stringent controls on global pollution and better accounting for human nutrition in fishing choices.

Mathematical model for managing marine ecosystem risks

The article presents the results of the research aimed at developing and verifying a mathematical model for managing the ecosystem risks of marine areas. The main purpose of the research is to create an effective tool for assessing and managing the risks arising from anthropogenic influence, climate change and other natural factors. The proposed model is based on the existing theory of sea ecosystem risks management and takes into account the relationship between natural and anthropogenic factors, condition of marine ecosystems, their vulnerability and ecosystem services. The model uses mathematical methods, in particular, differential equations, statistical analyses, simulation modeling and network analysis, allowing creation of detailed models that reflect marine ecosystems' dynamics and their response to external influence. Numerous experiments were conducted in order to verify the model. They demonstrate its ability to predict changes in the condition of marine ecosystems under influence of various factors. The results of the research show that the proposed model can be an effective tool for optimizing management strategies, minimizing ecosystem risks and improving sustainability of marine ecosystems. Practical recommendations developed on the basis of the results of the research include strategies for preventing, minimizing and adapting to potential threats, taking into consideration each region's and ecosystem's specifics. The proposed model helps to optimize management decisions, reducing risks and improving the condition of marine ecosystems affected by anthropogenic impact and climate change. It is a reliable tool for ensuring sustainability and preservation of marine ecosystems. This approach allows for evidence-based risk management that increases sustainability of marine ecosystems and their preservation for future generations. The model also considers key factors influencing marine ecosystems, including biological diversity, water quality, industrial fisheries, tourism and recreation, and allows evaluation of effectiveness of various management decisions in the context of such factors. The application of this model in ecosystem management practices allows making more informed decisions regarding protection and preservation of marine resources. It contributes to their sustainable development and provision of ecosystem services having critical importance for society.

Croakers in three coastal areas of Lagos state, Nigeria: Sustainability levels and stakeholders’ perceptions on the use of ecosystem-based fisheries management

Croakers are an economically important fish species in Nigeria. Croakers are harvested by artisanal and industrial fisheries, providing a significant source of income and livelihood for coastal communities. Yet, human activities pose a significant threat to the survival of croakers in Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of croakers in the coastal waters of Lagos, Nigeria. The study also examines stakeholders' perceptions of Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) as a tool for sustainable fisheries management in Nigeria. Questionnaires are used to collect data, and the Multidimensional Scaling Tool “Rapfish” is used to assess the sustainability level of croakers in three study areas. The results indicate that stakeholders have a positive attitude toward implementing EBFM. The sustainability analysis indicates degrees of sustainability of croakers at the boundary of being “less sustainable”. Specifically, the sustainability scores along the five dimensions analyzed are Ecological sustainability (55.69 %), economic (56.35 %), ethical (54.02 %), social (42.31 %), and technological sustainability (57.51 %). Based on these findings, the study derives several policy recommendations to improve the sustainability of croakers in Nigeria.

Resilience of the governance systems of two MSC certified fisheries in northwestern Mexico

Incentive-based management is an encouraging option in the quest for sustainability, and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is the most prestigious certification standard. It implies sustainability and resilience, but the latter has yet to be explored. Accordingly, we selected two MSC-certified fisheries, the small-scale red lobster fishery (RL) in Baja California (BC) and the small pelagic industrial fishery in Sonora (SP), to prove whether the certification success is reflected in a resilient governance network structure. To do so, we identify structural patterns that drive the resilience of the governance network in two MSC-certified fisheries. Data obtained through stakeholder interviews on different types of stakeholder relationships were used to construct weighted communication matrices to model governance networks. We assessed the individual role of each actor using centrality indices. We also analyzed how stakeholders are integrated into cohesive subgroups of the network. To evaluate resilience, we compared changes in the structure of governance networks by analyzing how network properties change each time the loss of an actor and/or its functionality is simulated. In both fisheries, most of the stakeholders belonged to the productive sector, actors involved in capture, processing, commercialization, and industrialization in the case of SP. For all centrality indices, the most relevant actors were similar or the same in both fisheries and belonged mainly to the regulatory and productive sectors. Cohesive subgroup analysis revealed that both networks are highly connected and collaborative systems. The simulations showed that in both fisheries, the decrease in the number of stakeholders did not cause abrupt changes in the structure of the governance systems. This approach reveals that, even in worst-case scenarios, the tolerance of governance systems to this severe loss of stakeholder diversity is high and suggests that following sustainable certification standards can lead to the promotion of effective and resilient governance networks.

Estimating fisheries catch from space: Comparing catch estimates derived from AIS fishing effort with reported catches for Indian Ocean industrial fisheries

Indian Ocean Rim countries (IOR) rely on fisheries for socio-economic well-being and food security. Monitoring fisheries equipped with Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) enables the evaluation of fishing activities. However, only small fractions of large vessels use AIS, and increasingly vessels are avoiding or circumventing AIS use. We used Global Fishing Watch AIS fishing effort data for 2018–2020, combined with independently derived gear- and country-specific catch rates to estimate catch volumes by AIS equipped industrial vessels in the Indian Ocean. We compared these estimates to the catches reported by countries to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which represent global accountability. Results suggest that AIS-equipped industrial vessels caught an average of 400,000 t∙year−1, of which 57% was by Distant-Water Fishing (DWF) vessels from countries outside the region. Spain, France and South Korea had AIS derived catch estimates substantially lower than catches officially reported by these countries, suggesting these vessels may turn off AIS transponders to potentially elude detection either by authorities or for other operational reasons. In contrast, Taiwan and China had 6 and 4 times more AIS estimated catches than they reported to the FAO. This suggests that these countries may not meet their international reporting obligations. Underreporting fisheries catches undermines management efforts and contributes to the unsustainable use of marine resources. Our study revealed an important role AIS technology can play in estimating fishing activities in the Indian Ocean, despite its currently limited adoption and the increasing evasion tactics by some fleets. Discrepancies between AIS-derived catch estimates and officially reported data underline the challenges in fisheries monitoring and enforcement, and highlight the lack of compliance enforcement by many flag countries.

Readiness of Industrial Fisheries Wastewater Treatment at the Nusantara Fishing Port in Sibolga

The Nusantara Sibolga fishing port has a fish processing industry, which generates waste, including liquid waste, from its activities. The handling of wastewater from the industry involves treating the wastewater to meet quality standards before it is discharged into the open environment. In this study, the wastewater is channeled to the sea through an integrated wastewater treatment plant, as it originates from three different fishery industries. This is stipulated in the Minister of Environment Regulation Number 05 of 2014. The purpose of this study is to identify the facilities of the wastewater treatment installation and the final quality of its process. Data were obtained through direct surveys and interviews with stakeholders, and then samples for water quality were tested in a laboratory. The wastewater treatment installation equipment has the highest value from the readiness analysis results of the Sibolga fishing port wastewater treatment installation. The analysis showed that the highest score, 13 out of a total of 16, came from the collection tank of PT.ASL. The highest scores for treatment units were the sedimentation pond and the main collection tank, both scoring 11. This evaluation is also related to the quality results of the wastewater at the outlet. The evaluation of the readiness analysis results involves improving each device of the wastewater treatment installation for optimal results.

The vulnerability of sharks, skates, and rays to ocean deoxygenation: Physiological mechanisms, behavioral responses, and ecological impacts.

Levels of dissolved oxygen in open ocean and coastal waters are decreasing (ocean deoxygenation), with poorly understood effects on marine megafauna. All of the more than 1000 species of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) are obligate water breathers, with a variety of life-history strategies and oxygen requirements. This review demonstrates that although many elasmobranchs typically avoid hypoxic water, they also appear capable of withstanding mild to moderate hypoxia with changes in activity, ventilatory responses, alterations to circulatory and hematological parameters, and morphological alterations to gill structures. However, such strategies may be insufficient to withstand severe, progressive, or prolonged hypoxia or anoxia where anaerobic metabolic pathways may be used for limited periods. As water temperatures increase with climate warming, ectothermic elasmobranchs will exhibit elevated metabolic rates and are likely to be less able to tolerate the effects of even mild hypoxia associated with deoxygenation. As a result, sustained hypoxic conditions in warmer coastal or surface-pelagic waters are likely to lead to shifts in elasmobranch distributions. Mass mortalities of elasmobranchs linked directly to deoxygenation have only rarely been observed but are likely underreported. One key concern is how reductions in habitat volume as a result of expanding hypoxia resulting from deoxygenation will influence interactions between elasmobranchs and industrial fisheries. Catch per unit of effort of threatened pelagic sharks by longline fisheries, for instance, has been shown to be higher above oxygen minimum zones compared to adjacent, normoxic regions, and attributed to vertical habitat compression of sharks overlapping with increased fishing effort. How a compound stressor such as marine heatwaves alters vulnerability to deoxygenation remains an open question. With over a third of elasmobranch species listed as endangered, a priority for conservation and management now lies in understanding and mitigating ocean deoxygenation effects in addition to population declines already occurring from overfishing.

Combining potential and realized distribution modeling of telemetry data for a bycatch risk assessment.

Establishing marine species distributions is essential for guiding management and can be estimated by identifying potential favorable habitat at a population level and incorporating individual-level information (e.g., movement constraints) to inform realized space use. In this research, we applied a combined modeling approach to tracking data of adult female and juvenile South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens; n = 9) from July to November 2011 to make habitat predictions for populations in northern Chile. We incorporated topographic and oceanographic predictors with sea lion locations and environmentally based pseudo-absences in a generalized linear model for estimating population-level distribution. For the individual approach, we used a generalized linear mixed-effects model with a negative exponential kernel variable to quantify distance-dependent movement from the colony. Spatial predictions from both approaches were combined in a bivariate color map to identify areas of agreement. We then used a GIS-based risk model to characterize bycatch risk in industrial and artisanal purse-seine fisheries based on fishing set data from scientific observers and artisanal fleet logs (2010-2015), the bivariate sea lion distribution map, and criteria ratings of interaction characteristics. Our results indicate population-level associations with productive, shallow, low slope waters, near to river-mouths, and with high eddy activity. Individual distribution was restricted to shallow slopes and cool waters. Variation between approaches may reflect intrinsic factors restricting use of otherwise favorable habitat; however, sample size was limited, and additional data are needed to establish the full range of individual-level distributions. Our bycatch risk outputs identified highest risk from industrial fisheries operating nearshore (within 5 NM) and risk was lower, overall, for the artisanal fleet. This research demonstrates the potential for integrating potential and realized distribution models within a spatial risk assessment and fills a gap in knowledge on this species' distribution, providing a basis for targeting bycatch mitigation outreach and interventions.

Fluorescent analysis of fish larvae of Engraulis encrasicholus ponticus L.

The fluorescence after histochemical reactions for biogenic amines of the fish larva of European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus ponticus L.) from the Black Sea has been analysed as possible methodical testing of the stage of development and vitality. The purpose of the study is to use their testing in ecological monitoring resources of the sea reservation and fishery. The histochemical staining for dopamine, histamine, and serotonin permitted us to estimate the state of the single larva based on their fluorescence. Observers may see the internal structure of the larva cell tissues under the excitation of ultraviolet, violet, and green light. This approach should be recommended for practice in the industrial fishery. as possible testing of this stage of development and state in the ichthyoplankton system.

Target strength measurements of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and acoustic discrimination of three tropical tuna species

Abstract Tropical tuna fisheries support some of the largest artisanal and industrial fisheries worldwide. Approximately 37% of the tropical tuna catch by industrial purse seiners is obtained from tuna associated with drifting fish aggregating devices (DFADs), where three tuna species coexist: skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), bigeye (Thunnus obesus), and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), with stocks subject to different health status. Purse seine fishers heavily rely on acoustic technology to detect and assess the quantity of tuna at DFADs. Yet, accurately distinguishing between species using solely acoustic methods is limited by insufficient knowledge about each species' acoustic response across frequencies. This study was carried out on six swimbladdered individuals belonging to two sets with mean lengths of 51.9 ± 9.5 and 52.9 ± 2 cm. It focuses on the frequency response obtained from ex situ measurements of yellowfin tuna recorded at 38, 70, 120, and 200 kHz, which revealed a flat response across frequencies, with b20 values of −72.4 ± 9, −73.2 ± 8, -72.3 ± 8, and −72.3 ± 9 dB, respectively. These results, contrast with previous findings on bigeye and skipjack, demonstrating the discrimination potential of acoustics in these three species. To harness this potential, a discrimination algorithm was developed.

Insights from a community of practice: Integrating human rights in fisheries improvement

A recent article authored by Williams and Sparks suggests that fishery improvement projects (FIPs) “as currently constituted and reported, will not be an effective part of the fight against labour exploitation and abuses in global industrial fisheries.” We wish to reinforce their argument that driving social responsibility improvements in global fisheries requires a systemic approach combining genuine worker representation, mandatory human rights due diligence, enforceable and legally binding agreements, changes to purchasing practices, and the ratification and implementation of international labor and human rights conventions, and we acknowledge that the FIP model alone will fall short of this. Based on our collective experience working towards social improvements in fisheries, we wish to bring a slightly more nuanced perspective to bear to demonstrate the critical importance of using a human rights-based approach in fisheries’ sustainability efforts across industrial and artisanal contexts. We structure this response by revisiting each of the main points Williams and Sparks raise, bringing in our own experiences and additional evidence to build upon their original remarks, suggesting: there is a need for continuous monitoring and improvements in dynamic risk environments; voluntary measures can lead to and buttress mandatory and legally binding measures; diverse fisheries require diverse approaches; and humans are inextricably linked to fisheries, thus effective and enduring solutions must consider human wellbeing and environmental sustainability in tandem. We end with a call to action with explicit roles and responsibilities for different actors inside and outside of the Fishery Improvement Project context to support binding and enforceable agreements between buyers and fishworker representative organizations, advancing human and labor rights protections in seafood supply chains.

Russian fisheries in 2000–2020

Purpose of the work: analysis of the development of fisheries development in Russia in the first two decades of the 21st century, assessment of stock state and catches of fish resources, and identification of major factors of influence on these resources and fisheries. Methods used: the main source of information on the production in Russian fisheries was annual data on catches of fish and other aquatic biological resources and data on aquaculture production — Form No. 1-P (fish). Сatches and yields of fish resources were analyzed based on the operative reporting of enterprises and data of the industry monitoring system. For access and initial processing, the FMS analyst software was used.Novelty: an analysis of the regulatory and legal framework development is presented, materials from Russian fisheries for 2000–2020 are summarized and analyzed.Practical significance: the development of any type of economic activity is a continuous, but heterogeneous process, with periods of growth and decline of varying duration. Fishery is no exception. Throughout its history, the industrial fisheries in Russia have gone through a series of stages associated with changes in fisheries technology and evolution of fishing vessel design. The development of industrial fisheries was also related to such objective conditions as long-term climate changes, which influenced the state of fisheries resources.

A comparative economic analysis of industrial fisheries targeting small pelagic fish in Mauritanian waters: Free license versus charter regime

AbstractIndustrial fisheries targeting small pelagic fish have significant socio‐economic implications for North West African countries. This study examines the economic performance of fleets operating in Mauritania's exclusive economic zone under the free license and chartering systems. Using national production data from 1989 to 2010 and economic indicator ratios from European pelagic fishing vessels, we assess the economic performance of pelagic fisheries over one decade. Our findings show that vessel characteristics have rapidly evolved, with free‐licenced vessels having a higher average fishing capacity than chartered vessels. The nominal number of free licenses increased from under 8% in 1995; the year of free licencing began in Mauritania, to over 80% in 2010. The estimated average economic output for 2000–2010 was US$ 231 million, with free licenses contributing over 80% of the total turnover (US$ 187 million). Vessels operating under free licenses made a greater contribution to wealth creation than the chartering regime. Foreign ship owners generated US$ 40.7 million (22%) in income, while chartering yielded US$ 3.6 million (8%). However, the chartering regime was more fiscally advantageous, contributing over 68% of pelagic fisheries tax revenues (estimated at over US$ 29 million). The small pelagic fishery has been subject to a system of total allowable catches and fishing quotas since 2015. This study provides insights into the economic dynamics of the small pelagic fishery, informing decision‐making and potential strategies to enhance the sector's performance and overall economic impact.

Bayesian joint longitudinal models for assessing the exploitation rates of sardine stock in the Mediterranean Sea

AbstractThe European sardine is a pelagic species of great ecological importance for the conservation of the Mediterranean Sea as well as economic importance for the Mediterranean countries. Its fishing has suffered a significant decline in recent years due to various economic, cultural and ecological reasons. This paper focuses on the evolution of sardine catches in the Mediterranean Sea from 1985 to 2018 according to the fishing Mediterranean country and the type of fishing practised, artisanal and industrial. We propose three Bayesian longitudinal linear mixed models to assess differences in the temporal evolution of artisanal and industrial fisheries between and within countries. Overall results confirm that Mediterranean fishery time series are highly diverse along their dynamics and this heterogeneity is persistent throughout the time. Furthermore, our results highlight a positive correlation between artisanal and industrial fishing. Finally, the study observes a consistent decreasing time trend in the quantity of fish landings. Although the causes of this feature could be also linked to economic motivations (such as a reduction in demand or the reorientation of fleets towards more commercially beneficial species), it may indicate a potential risk to the stock of this species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Adaption planning to climate change in industrial fisheries: Progress in the Basque tropical tuna fishery

Climate change impacts on ocean living organisms and ecosystems have flow-on effects on fisheries and their associated values. Industrial fisheries operate long distance fleets that potentially have the capacity to respond to such impacts by using technology and changing the timing and distribution of fishing effort. However, long-term adaptation to climate change in industrial fisheries entails larger structural changes that include adaptive management and international cooperation, where actors beyond the industry need to be engaged. How industrial fisheries are tackling adaptation to climate change is largely unknown, as is the role that actors in these systems undertake. In this study, we explored the Basque tropical tuna fishery to understand past and projected adaptation actions by each of the main actors in the fishery. We performed in-depth interviews with high-level representatives from 65% of the fishing industry, governments, research bodies, and non-governmental organizations of the Basque tropical tuna freezer purse seine fishery operating in the central-eastern Atlantic Ocean. We found that the fishery system has engaged in adaptation actions that seek to improve fishery sustainability, and that most adaptation actions are undertaken by the fishing industry. We also found that actors promote several types of adaptation actions such as practice change, and capacity building, among others, and that there is a lack of joint adaptation planning. We discuss the challenge in identifying suitable adaptation options to promote resilient and sustainable fisheries and to avoid losing their associated values.

Climate and human stressors on global penguin hotspots: Current assessments for future conservation.

As charismatic and iconic species, penguins can act as "ambassadors" or flagship species to promote the conservation of marine habitats in the Southern Hemisphere. Unfortunately, there is a lack of reliable, comprehensive, and systematic analysis aimed at compiling spatially explicit assessments of the multiple impacts that the world's 18 species of penguin are facing. We provide such an assessment by combining the available penguin occurrence information from Global Biodiversity Information Facility (>800,000 occurrences) with three main stressors: climate-driven environmental changes at sea, industrial fisheries, and human disturbances on land. Our analyses provide a quantitative assessment of how these impacts are unevenly distributed spatially within species' distribution ranges. Consequently, contrasting pressures are expected among species, and populations within species. The areas coinciding with the greatest impacts for penguins are the coast of Perú, the Patagonian Shelf, the Benguela upwelling region, and the Australian and New Zealand coasts. When weighting these potential stressors with species-specific vulnerabilities, Humboldt (Spheniscus humboldti), African (Spheniscus demersus), and Chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) emerge as the species under the most pressure. Our approach explicitly differentiates between climate and human stressors, since the more achievable management of local anthropogenic stressors (e.g., fisheries and land-based threats) may provide a suitable means for facilitating cumulative impacts on penguins, especially where they may remain resilient to global processes such as climate change. Moreover, our study highlights some poorly represented species such as the Northern Rockhopper (Eudyptes moseleyi), Snares (Eudyptes robustus), and Erect-crested penguin (Eudyptes sclateri) that need internationally coordinated efforts for data acquisition and data sharing to understand their spatial distribution properly.

Исследование особенностей инновационной активности организаций в области рыбоводства и рыболовства в 2003–2022 годах с учетом анализа параметров результатов интеллектуальной деятельности

The article considers four groups of results of intellectual activity of Russia, the USA, the European Union and China in the field of fish farming and fisheries for the period 2003–2022. The first group includes patents found according to the international patent classification for the A01K subclass. The second group is based on high–tech patents selected for the A01K subclass together with the G- physics class. The third group considers the commercialized patents of Russia, selected from the first group. The fourth group includes Russian patents from the first group and dissertations on scientific specialties 05.18.17 «Industrial fisheries», 06.04.01 «Fisheries and aquaculture». The analysis of these four groups is carried out, the features of innovative activity of organizations are identified, and the forecast of its development is made.