The research of the main commercial fish species in the Sea of Azov during the accounting trawl survey in October-November 2024

The aim: quantitative account and collect material on the qualitative characteristics of commercial fish species and monitor the habitat of aquatic biological resources of the Sea of Azov in the autumn period of 2024. Methods: during the execution of trawl survey, the collection and primary processing of materials were carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods. Innovations: materials on the biological state of fish, qualitative and quantitative composition of aggregations have been collected, identified patterns in the spatial and seasonal distribution of the main commercial fish species of the Sea of Azov. Results: the average water temperature in the Sea of Azov was 10,8 °C, in the Taganrog Bay – 6,5 °C. The average weighting salt’s concentration of the Sea of Azov was 15,22‰, and that of the Taganrog Bay was 11,67‰. The first place in catches was occupied by the Black and Caspian Sea sprat (26,3%), the second by the European anchovy (25,4%), and the third by the Danube sturgeon (20,3%). Black and Caspian Sea sprat and European anchovy were concentrated mainly in the central part of the Sea of Azov and the Taganrog Bay, with the largest catches amounting to 100 and 55 kg/hour of trawling. Concentration of Danube sturgeon was observed in the western part of the sea off the coast of Crimea and in the northern part of the sea in the area of Byriuchyi Island. The largest catch was 102 kg/hour of trawling. Concentration of Black Sea turbot were mainly recorded in the northwestern and central parts of the Sea of Azov, with the largest catch being 16 kg/ hour of trawling. The Pontic shad was mainly found in the northwestern, southwestern, and central parts of the Sea of Azov and in the pre-strait, with a maximum catch of 6 kg/hour of trawling. The practical significance: the results of the work will be used to refine and develop forecasts of the recommended volume of extraction (catch) of aquatic biological resources and recommendations for effective fishing.