Kaliningrad Region Research Articles

Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration Potential Maps in the Russian Cropland

Adaptation of the farming systems that aim to store carbon in agricultural soils may be one of the ways to address global climate change. Current study aims were at estimating organic carbon sequestration in the Russian cropland at a soil depth of 0-30 cm by creating a series of maps. Data from global and national databases were used as the input data. Maps were generated in the framework of the FAO Global Soil Carbon Sequestration Map (GSOCseq) project according to the unified methodology using the RothC model to predict the rate of carbon sequestration in the period 2020–2040 under the business-as-usual scenario, as well as under sustainable soil management scenarios with a different increase in organic matter intake (+5, +10 and +20%) due to the use of carbon-saving practices. The total potential rate of sequestration by cropland of the Russian Federation in a layer of 0–30 cm under business-as-usual scenario can be estimated as 8.5 Mt/year, the estimate under sustainable soil management scenarios can reach up to 25.5 Mt/year. It is shown that the carbon sequestration by cropland of each zone of soil-ecological zoning (except for the light chestnut and brown semi-desert soils, where it around zero) and on a national scale are positive. The following regions have the greatest potential for sequestration: Altai Krai, Omsk Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Krasnoyarsk Krai. In a number of subjects of the Russian Federation: the Krasnodar Territory, the Republic of Crimea, the Rostov Region, the Primorsky Territory, the Republic of Adygea and the Kaliningrad Region, measures should be taken to introduce the practice of sustainable management of soil resources.

The association of the rs4588 and rs7041 polymorphisms of the VDBP gene and vitamin D status in obese individuals

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (VD) plays an important role in bone metabolism, regulating phosphorus and calcium in the body. The VD binding protein (VDBP) binds to VD metabolites and transports them to the target tissues; it is assumed that polymorphisms of this gene influence the absorption of VD in the body. However, the relationship between polymorphisms of the VDBP gene and blood VD levels in obesity has not yet been sufficiently investigated. AIM: To identify the relationship of blood VD content (form 25(OH)D3) of obese and non-obese persons and the VDBP gene polymorphisms rs4588 and rs7041. METHODS: 80 residents of the Kaliningrad region participated in the study. The participants were divided according to VD status (norm, insuffient, deficiency and severe deficiency) and body mass index (BMI). Blood VD levels were determined using an ELISA. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood. Restriction analysis was performed with the endonucleases HaeIII and ErhI to determine the VDBP gene polymorphisms. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in blood VD levels of obese and non-obese individuals. Within the genotypes of the rs4588 polymorphism (CA), VD levels did not differ in individuals with different BMI (CС p=0.186; CA p=0.350, AA data is insufficient). However, when analyzing the allele frequencies in groups with different VD status, a significant difference was found in all groups compared to the control (insufficient p=0.009; deficiency p=0.010; severe deficiency p0.001). When analyzing the rs7041 polymorphism of the VDBP gene (TG), splitting groups by BMI within specific genotypes did not reveal differences in VD levels (TG p=0.150; GG p=0.087; TT data is insufficient), but we found a significant difference between control and severe deficiency (p0.001) based on allele frequencies of the rs7041 polymorphism. CONCLUSION: The VD content in blood of the obese individuals was comparable to that of the control group. The presence of the VDBP gene rs7041 and rs4588 polymorphisms has no influence on blood VD level, regardless of BMI. However, allele A of the rs4588 polymorphism is associated with an unfavorable VD status, while allele G of the rs7041 polymorphism is associated with normal blood VD levels.

SPIRITUAL, MORAL AND PATRIOTIC DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AS A FACTOR OF COUNTERING EXTERNAL THREATS OF MODERNITY

He article analyses the patriotic, spiritual and moral development of young people of military age as one of the conditions for national security of Russia. The study was conducted on the territory of the Leningrad, Kaliningrad, Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions. The total number of respondents was 1050 young men of military age (16-20 years old). The study used: the Russian version of the Moral Identity Questionnaire (O.A. Sychev, I.N. Protasova) and the modified technique “Incomplete Sentences”. It was found that low scores on the “Moral Self” and “Moral Integrity” scales are observed in 35.7% of young men of military age. They have predominantly negative ideas about the prospects for increasing patriotism among young people; they are not inclined to consider patriotism as love for the Motherland, and military service as a form of patriotism; there is a significant predominance of negative ideas about the future of the country and a lower incidence of feelings of pride for the Motherland.

Применение цифровых двойников при исследовании исторических ландшафтов береговой зоны

The article considers natural-historical landscapes as valuable objects combining natural and cultural elements, which are located in a certain area. They reflect the interaction between human activity and the natural environment that has occurred over a long period of time. These landscapes may include: archaeological sites, various settlements, architectural monuments, small architectural forms, ancient parks and gardens, as well as natural components (e.g.: water bodies, landscapes). Natural-historical landscapes create a unique system, reflecting the history and culture of the territory and the population living there. The importance of their conservation, reconstruction and protection for historical and cultural heritage, tourism, education and research is emphasized. The authors propose an integrated approach to the study and conservation of landscapes and other natural and cultural sites, including legislation, education, research and the use of innovative methods such as digital twins. Various examples of preservation and study of natural and historical landscapes in the Kaliningrad region are presented. A prototype of the digital twin is built, on which the prognostic scenario of the territory development is modeled, taking into account the coastal protection measures and the development of tourist attractiveness of the area. The need to use modern technologies and innovations (borrowed from other industries) to better manage and protect natural resources and to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving natural heritage is emphasized. The digital twin is effective and most indicative for management decisions in natural resources management and for implementation by scientists in geo-ecological research.

VDR gene polymorphisms rs731236 and rsS2228570 affect vitamin D levels in people of the Kaliningrad region

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient that is involved in numerous biological processes. It not only keeps bones healthy, but also has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, the pancreas and fatty tissue. Around 50% of the world’s population suffers from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. The prevalence of these diseases is significantly higher in obese people, regardless of age and place of residence. The presence of polymorphisms in the VDR gene (vitamin D receptor) can explain individual differences in the concentration of vitamin D 25(OH) in blood serum. Of particular interest are the effects of the polymorphisms rs731236 and rs2228570 on vitamin levels. Thus, the VDR polymorphism rs731236 is a synonymous substitution, whereas the polymorphism rs2228570 is a non-synonymous substitution. The article investigated the polymorphisms of the VDR gene rs2228570 (T/C), rs731236 (T/C) and determined their association with blood vitamin D levels in people from the Kaliningrad region with different body mass index (BMI). The material for the study was venous blood taken in the morning on an empty stomach from 232 people (mean age 50±13.5 years, 103 men and 129 women). The vitamin D content in the blood was determined by ELISA and the polymorphisms of the VDR gene were analyzed by PCR. In individuals with a BMI 30 kg/m2, changes in the lipid profile and liver function tests were recorded. The vitamin D level did not depend on the BMI of the study participants. Significant changes in blood vitamin D levels were found depending on the distribution of the VDR genotype. Vitamin D levels were higher in individuals with the CC genotype than in the TT and CT genotypes of the rs2228570 polymorphism and did not depend on BMI. In contrast, the presence of the rs731236 polymorphism in the VDR gene is associated with BMI. In obesity, vitamin D levels are therefore only reduced in people with the TT genotype of the rs731236 polymorphism, but not in people with the CC and TC genotype.

Clinical, functional and neuropsychological status of joint replacement patients

Introduction The number of hip and knee replacement surgeries is increasing annually in Russia and worldwide. The majority of patients receiving joint arthroplasties are elderly women.The objective was to assess the clinical, functional and neuropsychological status of patients undergoing total knee or hip replacement.Material and methods The study included 448 patients admitted for elective surgery of total knee or hip replacement at the Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the Federal Center for High Medical Technologies (CHMT, Kaliningrad Region). Anthropometric parameters of the patients were measured, the medical history and concomitant diseases recorded. Common blood count and biochemistry test were evaluated preoperatively. Neuropsychological examination included assessment of cognitive and executive functions, levels of distress, depression, anxiety and somatization.Results Almost all patients studied were found to have varying degrees of obesity. A typical combination of concomitant pathology in volunteers was stage 2 hypertension, risk degree 2–3, and chronic gastritis in remission. Half of the volunteers showed moderate and high levels of distress, depression, anxiety and somatization. A significant number of volunteers showed moderate to high levels of cognitive decline. Age- and sex-related blood counts were slightly different from the normal ranges for a CBC and biochemistry. Changes in leukocyte count were detected.Discussion Leukocyte counts indicated the osteoarthritis induced inflammatory process in most patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction and aging of the immune system contributed to the “proinflammatory status.” The high rate of cognitive impairment in volunteers was associated with age and comorbidity, cardiovascular conditions, in particular. Distress and anxiety were associated with emotional reactions to surgery.Conclusion The factors reported can affect the duration and course of rehabilitation. The “pro-inflammatory status” of patients can complicate the healing of a postoperative wound. Neuropsychological disorders noted during postoperative rehabilitation can have a significant impact on physical recovery, social and professional adaptation.

Long-term dynamics of the spatial distribution of European vendace (Coregonus albula L.) of Lake Vishtynetskoye, Kaliningrad region

Long-term dynamics of the spatial distribution of European vendace (Coregonus albula L.) of Lake Vishtynetskoye, Kaliningrad region

Biological characteristics of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.) in Lake Vishtynetskoye (Kaliningrad region) in the modern period

Biological characteristics of whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.) in Lake Vishtynetskoye (Kaliningrad region) in the modern period

The role of silver bream (Blicca bjoerkna L.) in the formation of ichthyocenoses of small water bodies in the Kaliningrad region

The role of silver bream (Blicca bjoerkna L.) in the formation of ichthyocenoses of small water bodies in the Kaliningrad region

Release and return of repressed people in Lithuania In 1953–1957: between freedom and constraints

The topic of the article is the release and return of deportees and political prisoners to Lithuania. As the Soviet regime was modifying itself, it abandoned mass repressions as of 1953 and authorised a large part of the deportees to return home. According to the available information, in 1953–1958 over 40,000 people returned to Lithuania from exile and imprisonment. The release of political prisoners within the context of USSR’s repression is clearer. The release of a political prisoner could happen in three scenarios: (i) after serving the full sentence, (ii) prematurely, i.e. after serving 2/3 of the sentence, or (iii) after serving a fixed period in exile following the sentence at the labour camp, which was usually 5 years. The specific period of deportation was not fixed, the Soviet perpetrators used the term ‘na viečno’ (for eternity, forever). As a result, the communist authorities and repressive structures had to take various decisions to release the deportees: they had to adopt many orders and resolutions, and the fate of each family had to be decided by the commissions for the review of deportees’ cases. Therefore, in light of these complex procedures, the article focuses more on the release of the deportees. This paper examines the cooperation between the Lithuanian Communist Party and the repressive structures in their attempts to ensure a gradual return of deportees and political prisoners, as the return of the repressed was raising great concern for the Soviet authorities. Such concerns mainly resulted from the fact that some of the repressed were entitled to restitution of confiscated property (often no longer available), while there was a potential threat that a sudden or massive return of these people would incite the anti–Soviet sentiment in Lithuania. Research into the activities of the commissions for the review of deportees’ cases was based on archival documents. Both statistical data and deliberations of the fate of individual families by the commissions are presented in this paper. The analysis of the sources demonstrates a significant change as of 1956 triggered by several driving factors: the growing number of repressed returnees, the news of the 1956 Hungarian anti-Soviet uprising reaching Lithuania, and anti-Soviet demonstrations in Kaunas and Vilnius during the 1956 All Souls’ Day. Sensing danger the Lithuanian communist authorities took some precautionary measures. In January 1957, a decree banned the return to Lithuania of prominent Lithuanian statesmen, leaders of the armed resistance and anti–Soviet underground. At the same time, the returned deportees and political prisoners were ‘under supervision’ by strengthening the repressive apparatus of the LSSR’s KGB, by preventing the returnees from registering, from getting a job, and by prohibiting them from returning to their hometowns. In this way, the communist authorities achieved their goal: some of the returnees, unable to settle, went to Latvia, the Kaliningrad region, or even back to Siberia, where they had a guaranteed employment. In this way, the Lithuanian communist government tried to create a ‘critical mass’ of the Lithuanian population which it could lead towards a ‘bright communist future’.

РЕСОЦИАЛИЗАЦИЯ ОСУЖДЕННЫХ, ОСВОБОЖДЕННЫХ И ОСВОБОЖДАЕМЫХ ИЗ МЕСТ ЛИШЕНИЯ СВОБОДЫ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ УФСИН РОССИИ ПО КАЛИНИНГРАДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

The purpose of studying the experience of the resocialization of persons who have served a custodial sentence is to identify problems that exist in the organization and implementation of this work by institutions and bodies of the penal enforcement system, consider best practices and formulate conclusions and proposals. Currently, there is no any notion of resocialization in the penal enforcement legislation, however, in some normative legal acts, in particular, in the Federal Law №. 182 «On the basics of the crime prevention system in the Russian Federation» (23 June 2016), resocialization is understood as a set of socio-economic, pedagogical and legal measures carried out by subjects of crime prevention in accordance with their competence and persons involved in crime prevention in order to reintegrate into society persons who have served a criminal sentences in the form of imprisonment and (or) those who have been subjected to other criminal law measures. The importance of the process of resocialization of persons released from prison is inexorably emphasized by statistical figures. Thus, about 60 % of those, who have committed crimes, do it again, and one in three has already been punished. On January 1st, 2024, the Federal Law «On Probation in the Russian Federation» came into force, which specifies the resocialization, social adaptation and social rehabilitation of persons released from prison as the main directions of probation. Currently, the process of developing and adopting sublegislative acts is underway. However, the existing positive experience of some regions in organizing this work should be counted. In the article the author examines the practice of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Kaliningrad region. The author concludes that it is necessary to analyze and generalize the practices of various regions and develop a unified approach to this area of activity of the penal enforcement system in order to streamline it.

Influence of Extralinguistic Factors on the Formation of Oikonymy in Kaliningrad Region

This article studies the impact of such factors as the size and the location of a settlement and the time of its renaming as well on the choice of new oikonyms made by the Soviet authorities when the settlements of the Kaliningrad region were renamed after the inclusion of the eastern Prussian territories into the USSR. 2497 acts of renaming were selected and studied. The author examines the connection of each factor with the preferred methods of coordination of the original and new geographical names, with the share of natural-geographical and memorial oikonyms in the corresponding samples, and for the «time» factor the share of migrant toponyms and ideological names is also considered. As a result of the «time» factor study it was revealed that the sequence of the most common methods of coordination fully coincide at different stages of renaming while the share of ideological names decreases over the time. In addition, it was discovered that the share of coordination tends to increase in the groups selected according to the «size» factor together with the increase of the population of the settlements. Finally, while «place» factor was considered it turned out that onomastically uncoordinated areas are located in the southeast of the region, while onomastically coordinated ones form a line stretching from the north to the south of the region slightly shifting to the west. The obtained results prove the fact that extra linguistic factors influence the process and the results of massive renaming in the field of oikonymy.

Regional Identity of Inhabitants of the Kaliningrad Region of Russia and Neighbouring the Warmia and Mazury Region in Poland until 2022

Abstract The article focuses on the issue of identity of inhabitants of the Polish-Russian borderland. This borderland includes two regions: Warmia and Mazury Region on Polish side and the Kaliningrad Region on Russian side, which before the Second World War were part of German East Prussia. The specific nature of this borderland and its history justify undertaking research on this subject. As part of the research, a thorough examination of the state of research on the identity of the inhabitants of the Polish-Russian borderland was conducted. The assumptions presented above were verified by the analysis of survey research carried out in communities living in the Polish-Russian borderland and were be compared with previous research on regional and national identity on both sides of the border.

Migration agenda of the Kaliningrad region in the context of socio-economic development of Russia

Relevance. The socio-economic context of the importance of migration policy is represented by a wide range of areas. First of all, the intensity of migration processes significantly correlates with the state of the labor market, influencing the balance of supply and demand. The relevance of the research topic is due to the importance of migration policy, both for the socio-economic development of the state and for ensuring national security in the strategic management horizon. The importance of building an effective migration policy has a significant level of importance for modern Russia. Taking into account the author’s position, the geopolitical situation and the retrospective history of international communications make Russia the center of gravity of migration flows, which requires the establishment of high-quality control not only over their intensity, but also over their structural content.The purpose is to determine the most effective tools for improving migration policy, taking into account territorial specifics.Objectives: to clarify the theoretical and methodological aspects of the implementation of state migration policy in Russia; reveal the features, analytical indicators and organizational mechanisms for implementing migration policy in Russia, taking into account the territorial specifics of the Kaliningrad region.Methodology. The methodological “portfolio” of the study is built on the basis of the provisions of socioeconomic theories of migration process management using quantitative methods of data collection and analysis.Results. A targeted analysis was carried out, as a result of which effective tools were identified for improving migration policy in the Kaliningrad region based on the adaptation of the universal migration project in the Kaliningrad city management system, creating the prerequisites for increasing its effectiveness and achieving target indicators.Conclusion. Improving migration policy is an objective necessity in order to solve a number of socio-economic problems and minimize risks to national security.

Bacterial Diversity of Historical Iron-Containing Water Sources in the Kaliningrad Region

Bacterial Diversity of Historical Iron-Containing Water Sources in the Kaliningrad Region

FROM THE “RIGHT GERMAN” TO THE “KALININGRAD PHILOSOPHER”: IMMANUEL KANT IN COMMEMORATIVE PRACTICES AND MEMORY POLICY IN THE KALININGRAD REGION (SOVIET PERIOD)

One of the key problems of the state historical policy in the Kaliningrad region during the Soviet period was related to the attitude to the local pre-war historical and cultural heritage, it was partly the memory of the life and activities of the outstanding philosopher and educator Immanuel Kant. The purpose of this article is to identify the prerequisites, factors and stages of integration of Kant’s name and image into the regional culture of memory and commemorative activity. The scientific novelty of the study is determined by the fact that the commemoration of the philosopher is first considered throughout the Soviet period of the region’s history. In the first post-war decade, the key condition for the formation of Kant’s commemoration traditions in the young Soviet region was ensured, that is, his tomb was preserved and taken under state protection in the mid-1950s. It became a place of attraction for Kaliningrad residents and guests of the city. In the 1960s–1970s, the philosopher’s grave was included in excursion routes and tourist guides, respect for his memory was used as an argument in the propaganda system, a tradition of scientific study of Kant’s heritage was formed in the region, and Kaliningrad State University became a center of such research. Under strict restrictions on the study and popularization of pre-war history, Kantian topics were perceived by a part of local intelligentsia as an allowed opportunity to share the “secrets” of the German past of the Kaliningrad land. At the same time, the position of regional authorities was characterized by contradictions, and initiatives to commemorate the philosopher were repeatedly met with resistance instigated by the regional committee of the CPSU. In the years of perestroika Kant’s image was perceived as a “bridge” connecting epochs and cultures. The work on the preparation of restoring the monument to the philosopher began, the plans of the regional branch of the Soviet Culture Fund included a “Kantian” programme of events, Kant became a character in the first popular narratives about the prewar history of the region. The process of integration of the “outstanding ‘fellow countryman’”, “Kaliningrad philosopher” into the regional culture by the end of the Soviet period was considerably accelerated.

Spatio-temporal clustering of African swine fever virus (Asfarviridae: Asfivirus) circulating in the Kaliningrad region based on three genome markers.

The rapid spread of African swine fever in the Kaliningrad region makes it necessary to use the methods of molecular epidemiology to determine the dynamics and direction of ASF spread in this region of Russia. The aim of the study was to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms within molecular markers K145R, O174L and MGF 505-5R of ASFVs isolated in Kaliningrad region and to study the circulating of the pathogen in European countries by subgenotyping and spatio-temporal clustering analysis. Blood samples from living domestic pigs and organs from dead domestic pigs and wild boars, collected in the Kaliningrad region between 2017 and 2022 were used. Virus isolation was carried out in porcine bone-marrow primary cell culture. Amplicons of genome markers were amplified by PCR with electrophoretic detection and subsequent extraction of fragments from agarose gel. Sequencing was performed using the Sanger method. The circulation of two genetic clusters of ASFV isolates on the territory of the Kaliningrad has been established: epidemic (K145R-III, MGF 505-5R-II, O174L-I - 94.3% of the studied isolates) and sporadic (K145R-II, MGF 505-5R-II, O174L-I - 5.7%). The broaden molecular genetic surveillance of ASFV isolates based on sequencing of genome markers is necessary in the countries of the Eurasian continent to perform a more detailed analysis of ASF spread between countries and within regions.

Скрининг и характеристика антиоксидантных свойств психрофильных микроводорослей и цианобактерий Балтийского моря

At present, the issue of obtaining a complex of biologically active substances with antioxidant activity from psychrophilic Psychrophilic microalgae and cyanobacteria are a prospective source of biologically active antioxidant substances. New antioxidant complexes could expand the scope of their industrial application. The research objective was to identify psychrophilic microalgae and cyanobacteria from the Baltic Sea in order to study their antioxidant properties. The research featured psychrophilic microalgae and cyanobacteria obtained from the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Bay in the Baltic Sea, Kaliningrad Region, Russia, in March – May 2022. The authors used the Pasteur method and the flow cytometry method to isolate pure cultures of psychrophilic microalgae and cyanobacteria. The method of spectrophotometry made it possible to study the antioxidant activity by analyzing radical scavenging, reducing ability, and chelating. The psychrophilic microalga Skeletonema pseudocostatum demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity in all three methods: 17.62 μmol/g trolox equivalents according to the ABTS method, 58.16 μmol/g trolox equivalents according to the DPPH method, and 3.91 μmol/g trolox equivalents according to the FRAP method. The psychrophilic microalga Thalassiosira pseudonana exhibited the following values of antioxidant activity: 12.08, 12.42, and 3.13 μmol/g trolox equivalents, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the psychrophilic microalgae Fragilariopsis kerguelensis was 13.53, 11.84, and 1.09 μmol/g trolox equivalents, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the psychrophilic cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon gracile was 15.73, 19.89, and 2.47 μmol/g trolox equivalents, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the psychrophilic cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica was 12.62, 13.16, and 2.16 μmol/g trolox equivalents, respectively. The samples of psychrophilic microalgae and cyanobacteria obtained from natural environment in the Russian Baltic Sea demonstrated good antioxidant properties, which makes them a potential raw material for new pharmaceutical substances.

Актуализация подходов к определению устойчивости и сбалансированности развития экономической системы региона

The article reveals a theoretical approach to the determination of the stability and balance of the development of regional economic systems, considering the specified classification of factors influencing these processes, examines various approaches to the determination of the stability and balance of the economic system development of the region, and discusses the importance of these approaches, each of which contributes to the determination of the stability and balance of the economic system development of the region. The author presents the interpretation of the regional economic system as a mesoeconomical system and an integrity formed by industrial relations between economic agents regarding the production, distribution, and consumption of public goods within the spatial and territorial boundaries of the region. Production relations are dynamic and changeable because of the influence of common factors caused by the action of basic economic laws, which are typical of economic systems of any scale. A group of special factors that have a dominant effect on the dynamics of industrial relations in modern conditions is suggested, i.e., natural-geographical, ethno-confessional, socio-economic, and socio-cultural ones. These factors determine the stability and balance of economic systems’ development in the regions in the national economic division of labor. The results obtained determine the author’s theoretical and methodological approach to determining the stability and balance of the development of economic systems in certain regions of the Russian Federation, such as the Kaliningrad Region, the Republic of Crimea, Sevastopol, Kamchatka, Sakhalin, Murmansk Region, the Republics of Kalmykia, Buryatia, Tyva, and Altai, taking into account the specific factors of the prevailing realities and challenges of the future. The results also provide a better understanding of the problem areas and the potential for subsequent planning and development of policies and activities in order to stimulate sustainable and balanced development of the economic system of the region.

Methodological Aspects of using the frequency of occurrence Indicator for an analysis of Ichthyocenoses, the Ichthyofauna of the Baltic Sea Coastal zone Taken as an Example

The specificity of utilizing the frequency of occurrence indicator in relation to the study of the species structure of a fish community is considered. The coastal ichthyocenosis of the Baltic Sea within the Kaliningrad Region was used as a study object. Fishing was carried out at up to 20 m depths using a set of collection of gillnets with a mesh size of 12 to 80 mm in the period 2006–2022. In total, data on 894 catches were summarized, in which 11.8 thousand fish were caught. It is shown that the frequency of occurrence of a species can be presented in several ways: (1) as the average for the catches of the entire set of mesh, (2) as the maximum for the mesh size optimal for a given species, (3) as a structural characteristic that determines the nature of an ichthyocenosis’ species organization. In general, in the catches of a collection of gill nets the coastal ichthyocenosis was found to be represented by 29 species of fish, among which the river flounder, Baltic herring, round goby and smelt dominate in terms of occurrence. In the interannual aspect, the occurrence rate is demonstrated to show certain stability and is characterized by a confidence interval ranging within ±10–20%. Taking into account that the indicator of occurrence is quite simply determined just through the capture record of a species, it is recommended to use it in addition to the traditional indicators of the relative abundance and biomass of the species. Using multi-cell fishing gear for the assessment of the structure of a fish community is prerequisite.