Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) of the Siberian Arctic: Distribution and biology

Abstract

Integrated pelagic trawl surveys were conducted in the eastern sector of the Russian Arctic (Laptev Sea, Chukchi Sea and East Siberian Sea) in August–September of 2003–2018. Data were used to further describe biology and spatial distribution of Polar cod (Boreogadus saida) in this region. Polar cod in surveyed areas are characterized by similar linear size and spatial distribution. In all surveyed seas, polar cod aggregations consisted of individuals 3–29 cm in length with the age of 0+ - 6+ years. Lower growth rates of polar cod were evident in the eastern sector compared to the Kara Sea (the western sector of Russian Arctic). The lower growth rates in the eastern sector are probably due to the significant difference in environmental conditions (mainly temperature) that directly affect polar cod metabolic rates.

In the Chukchi and East Siberian seas, the main concentrations were observed within the near-bottom layer, while in the Laptev Sea they were recorded throughout the water column. The abundance and biomass of polar cod in the Chukchi Sea in different years ranged from 514 million inds. and 0.83 thousand tons (2008) to 8.26 billion inds. and 117.5 thousand tones (2003). Respective indices for the Laptev Sea amounted to 233 thousand tones and 12.75 billion individuals. The abundance and biomass of the East Siberian Sea polar cod were at a relatively low levels compared to other areas in the Russian Arctic (about 0.150 thousand tons and 20 million individuals).