FISHERY CHARACTERISTICS OF PIKE ESOX LUCIUS (L.) OF TOPO-PYAOZERO RESERVOIR (WHITE SEA CATCHMENT AREA)

The article presents the results of the work carried out within the framework of forecast topics and economic contractual topics aimed to assess the stock and production of pike in the Topo-Pyaozero (Kumskoe) Reservoir. There have been studied its main biological and structural-population indicators. Calculations of indicators of pike’s abundance and biomass at the present stage, necessary for the rational regulation of the fishery have been carried out. It was found that the fishing possibilities of the presented pike populations correspond to the production possibilities of its sexually mature part and the value obtained as a result of the biomass increase. Pike should be taken into the commercial operation from the age of 4+ years and older. The performed calculations of the stock size based on the materials of 2009–2020 recommend the volume of the pike total allowable catch at the present stage not less than 36 tons, or 21% of the value of the commercial stock (at the maximum rate of 23.4%). From the results of observations it follows that the abundance and stocks of pike in the Topo-Pyaozero Reservoir make it possible to provide large volumes of catch at the present time, and the total catch can be increased to the calculated values the volume of the allowable catch, provided that a rational fishery is maintained in water bodies. The intensity of fishing and an increase in pike catches in the reservoir should be considered as mandatory measures in terms of biological reclamation in reservoirs