Impacts of environmental conditions in the Japan Sea on dynamics of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha fishery in the Primorye subzone in 2022 and 2024

Results of fishery on pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha of even year-classes in the Primorye fishing subzone (within the boundaries of Primorye and Khabarovsk Regions) in 2022 and 2024 are analyzed on the background of annual catch dynamics. Significant differences between the years is noted both in distribution of the catch between regions and in timing of the mass run. The main factor that determined the timing and direction of the run for pink salmon was the approaching of Tsushima Current warm jets to the coast that provided optimal conditions for the spawning migration. Meanwhile, the Tsushima Current was active in both considered years driven by prevailing southerly winds supported with atmosphere pressure gradient between the Far-Eastern Low over the mainland and strengthened western ridge of the Hawaiian High that also caused warm air invasion to the northern Japan Sea. Such environmental conditions are generally favorable for migration of pink salmon, but exact timing, spacing and strength of their runs are determined by mesoscale patterns of water dynamics.