Changes in the Ecological Characteristics of Todarodes pacificus associated with Long-term Catch Variations in Jigging Fishery

摘要

To assess the state of Todarodes pacificus fisheries, we examined changes in major fishing and ecological characteristics by comparing jigging fishery data between high (HCLP, 1996-2000) and low (LCLP, 2013-2017) catch level periods. The peak catch occurred in October during the HCLP compared with December during the LCLP. The average catch per unit effort was higher during the HCLP (1.3 tons/jigging vessel) than LCLP (1.0 ton/jigging vessel). During the HCLP, fishing grounds were highly concentratedin the southwestern East Sea and Yamato bank, whereas during the LCLP, the distribution of grounds extended to the South Sea, West Sea, and northern East Sea (near Russian waters) at a low density. Water temperatures in the main fishing ground in the southwestern East Sea were higher at 0, 50, and 100 m depths during the LCLP than HCLP. Meanwhile, the average mantle length of catches decreased from 23.5 cm during the HCLP to 22.21 cm during the LCLP. The mantle length at 50% maturity also decreased between the two periods from 22.06 (HCLP) to 18.77 cm (LCLP). These findings will help guide future management strategies for T. pacificus.