Current status and trends for commercial stock of japanese anchovy <i>Engraulis japonicus</i> (Engraulidae) in Russian waters of the Japan Sea

Abstract

Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus of the Tsushima Current stock migrate to the northwestern Japan Sea in warm season and play there an important role in the pelagic food web. According to survey and fishery data, the commercial stock of this species declines recently that determines decreasing of intensity of its migrations into the Russian waters, though its level is still appropriate for fishery. The anchovy releases ashore occur sometimes on the Far-Eastern coast, likely in cases of unstable environments that have become more frequent under climate change. More intense research of the pelagic ecosystem in the northwestern Japan Sea is necessary to clarify the status of fishery resources formed by southern migrants, including anchovy, sardine and mackerel.