Short-Term Variations of Biological Condition of Commander Squid (Berryteuthis magister) in Aggregations in the Kuril Islands Area in Spring and Summer of 2014

Abstract

This work is based on the materials collected during scientific observation of Commander squids fishery in the waters adjacent the Northern Kuril Islands from 31 May till 18 June, 2014. The study revealed shorterm (10-12 days) cycles of density and composition of squid aggregations. Each phase of the cycle may be characterized by specific density of squid aggregations, sex ratio and maturity stages composition. A hypothesis is provided that this cyclicity appears as a result of migration of spatially structured squid shoals through the fishing ground in the Northern Kuril Islands area.