Laboratory of Ichthyolgy

HEAD Eugene I. SOBOLEVSKY, Dr. Sci. Biol.

STAFF numbers 12, including 1 Dr. Sci., 3 Cand. Sci.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Study of the composition, structure and productivity of near-shore, pelagic and deep-water ichthyocenoses of the far-eastern seas; study of the reproduction, embryonic and larval development of common and commercially valuable fish species in connection with formation of good-harvest recruit; research on the population structure and regulation of the structure and abundance of sea fish populations; study of the fauna and systematics of fish of the far-eastern seas and contiguous waters of the Pacific Ocean.

On the basis of the investigations, conclusions will be drawn on the condition of ichthyocenoses and recommendations made with respect to the monitoring and protection of marine biocenoses and increase in the variety of raw materials for fishing industry.

The Laboratory participated during 1989-1992 in three surveys in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan) and eight comprehensive surveys of the pelagic zone of the Bering Sea and Okhotsk Sea and the Pacific waters off Kamchatka. New data on the species composition and structure of meso- and bathypelagic fishes of the Bering Sea have been obtained, areas and time of spawning established as well as trophic relationships and feeding rhythms of some mesopelagic fishes elucidated. Knowledge of the species composition of ichthyocenosis of Peter the Great Bay and peculiarities of the spatial, biotopic and bathymetric distribution of common species of fish have been refined. The structure of near-shore ichthyocenoses (0-35 m) during the foraging period has been determined.

Phone: 31-06-78