Influence of oceanological conditions on the distribution and biological features of the mass squid species in the South Kuril region

The distribution of the three mass commercial cephalopod species (the Japanese common squid Todarodes pacificus, the neon flying squid Ommastrephes bartramii, and the boreal clubhook squid Onychoteuthis borealijaponica) on the Pacific side of the South Kuril Islands is analyzed in relation to oceanological conditions using the data of scientific catches of squids and oceanographic observations obtained by Japanese and Russians research vessels in August-September of 1994-1999. With respect to the extension of the waters of subtropical origin, three types of oceanological conditions are distinguished: the "conventionally cold" (1996, 1997), "conventionally warm" (1998, 1999) and "conventionally normal" (1994, 1995) conditions. It is shown that conventionally cold years are more favorable for the fishery of the Japanese common squid and the boreal clubhook squid and conventionally normal years are favorable for the fishery of all three squid species, while conventionally cold years are only favorable for the fishery of the neon flying squid. Particular features of the distribution and biology of each of the squid species considered are discussed.