The Fishery Dynamics and Aggregation Distribution of the Saffron Cod, Eleginus gracilis (Tilesius), off the Northern Kuril Islands

Saffron cod fishery in the waters off the northern Kuril Islands is conducted throughout the year with various intensities and is mainly based on winter–spring saffron cod aggregations. In 2003–2022, the total saffron cod catch ranged within 1.8–167.4 t, with an average of 40.8 t/yr. In commercial catches with Danish seines, fish with a body length of 24 to 56 cm are found. Depending on the fishing season, the average fish body length in catches ranges from 35.4 cm in the summer season to 43.2 cm in the winter season. Individuals with a body length of 36–48 cm are exposed to fishing pressure to the greatest extent. The average size of fish shows a tendency to increase in the winter season, with fishing at greater depths. The main commercial aggregations are observed between Paramushir and Shumshu islands and in the area of the First Kuril Strait. In the Pacific and Sea of Okhotsk waters off the northern Kuril Islands, the saffron cod is not highly abundant.