Scientists provisionally forecasting TACs 2011 in the Russian Far East
Despite smaller number of research trips in 2009 as compared to 2008, the data collected during the surveys has enabled the scientists not only to prepare a well-grounded forecast, but also to supply the basin's research institutes with new information on the current condition of aquatic bioresources.
In the year 2009 the total harvest in the Russian Far East amounted to 2.608 tonnes, 359,000 tonnes up on 2008 (mostly thanks to record strong catches of salmons rising the total result by 271,000 tonnes). Take-up of the TAC and of the potential harvest amounted to 70% in all the subareas.
In the year 2011 the fishery industry of the Far East Basin may be allowed to harvest 3.592 million metric tons of marine biological resources, including 2.898 million tonnes of finfish, 65,000 tonnes of shellfish, 342,000 tonnes of shellfish, 17,000 tonnes of echinoderms and 261,000 tonnes of seaweed. That is 15,000 tonnes up on the recommended catch in 2010.
As compared to 2010, the total recommended harvest of finfish species (less salmons and freshwater fish) in 2011 is decreased by 74,000 tonnes due to a decline of the pollock TAC in the Sea of Okhotsk. At the same time, the pollock TAC in the East Sakhalin subarea and in the Primorye subarea has been increased considerably.
A substantial increase of 45,000 tonnes on 2010 is provisionally recommended for the herring TACs in the North Okhotsk, West Kamchatka and Karaginsk subareas. The scientists have also confirmed the biological feasibility of the roe herring fishery extension in the North Okhotsk subarea until 30 April 2010 inclusive as prepared by MagadanNIRO research institute.
Potential harvest of 13 crab species has been recommended at 49,000 tonnes to display a 2000-tonne decrease on 2010.