Features of distribution and efficiency of saury fishery in dependence on oceanographic conditions in the South-Kuril Region on data of satellite observations in August-November of 2002-2014

Abstract

Oceanographic conditions influence on saury fishery in the South-Kuril Region is considered on the SST satellite data and fisheries information obtained in August-November of 2002-2014. The SST spatial distribution patterns are compared between the years with high and low landings of saury and the catch efficiency, taking such parameters as the distance of the South Kuril anticyclone eddy from Shikotan Island and the northern Subarctic Front (NSAF) position as quantitative measures of oceanographic conditions. Three basic types of the patterns are defined: 1) long distance to eddy and southern NSAF position; 2) short distance to eddy and northern NSAF position; and 3) short distance and medium NSAF position. The type 1 was observed in 2002, 2003 and 2009 when stable saury fishery began in late August and continued in September-October within the exclusive economic zone of Russia (EEZ) and in November outside EEZ, with low efficiency (CPUE 14-34 t/day, increasing to November). The type 2 was observed in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2014 when stable saury fishery began in early August and continued within EEZ till November, with high efficiency (CPUE 31-43 t/day, with maximum in September). The type 3 was observed in 2006, 2011, 2012 and 2013 when stable saury fishery began in late August and continued within EEZ till October, then gradually moved outside EEZ, with medium efficiency (CPUE 20-36 t/day, with maximum in October).