State of marine fish stock in the Caspian Sea (from results of the research in 2011)

The paper analyzes the state of the main commercially valuable marine fish stock in the Caspian Sea. It was established that the present-day kilka fishery harvested the minimal amount of anchovy and big-eyed kilka. Their abundance has decreased drastically, natural spawning has declined, commercial stock becomes depleted rapidly. Annually common kilka reproduction remains at an average long-term level. The stock of marine shad is quite stable with the most abundant Dolginka shad. Population replenishment depends on the abundance of food organisms and water temperature in the northern part of the Caspian Sea. The silverside is taken as a by-catch when common kilka are harvested. Its stock is stable. It is recommended that the species harvest should be increased. Only one mullet species (golden gray mullet) may be seen in catch. Its stock is quite stable while commercial catches depend on fishery management. Marine fish resources (except for anchovy and big-eyed kilka) make it possible to increase their commercial exploitation.