Abstract:
This is a review of comprehensive Russian multidisciplinary research of the South Pacific ecosystems, their functional organization and spatial differentiation done between 1955 and the present time. Timing of 551 Russian cruises to South Pacific, major work at sea, its main results and discoveries are given. Special consideration is given to the history of study and fisheries development of the "jack-mackerel belt". The distribution and seasonal migrations of jack-mackerel Trachurus murphyi are considered in relation to oceanic mechanisms of the formation of increased bioproduction in the jack-mackerel belt waters. The paper briefly explaings the present concepts of the intraspecies structure and functional organization of jack-mackerel range. Necessary measures are suggested for enhancement of population-genetic studies of the South Pacific hydrobionts in view of the preparatory work for the establishment of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization. A large list of references is provided including collected paper volumes on specific subjects, books, reviews, meeting materials, dissertations and the more significant publications summarizing the results of Russian research in the South Pacific Ocean.
