Changes in Salinity and Species Composition of Ichthyofauna in the Sea of Azov

Abstract

Impact of salinity changes on the composition of the Sea of Azov ichthyofauna is considered. To date, not only the quantitative, but also the qualitative composition of ichthyofauna and commercial catches has changed. The Black Sea sprat Clupeonella cultriventris, European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus, gobiids of the family Gobiidae, as well such alien species as so-iuy mullet Planiliza haematocheila and Prussian carp Carassius gibelio, began to dominate in commercial catches. In the eastern part of Taganrog Bay, the golden gray mullet Chelon aurata, the flathead gray mullet Mugil cephalus, and Black Sea turbot Scophthalmus maeoticus have been recorded for the first time. The number of resident semianadromous species has decreased many times due to the deterioration of environmental and spawning conditions. Recommendations are presented for the rationalization of fisheries under conditions of salinization of the Sea of Azov.