VARIABILITY OF CHARACTERISTICS AND OCEANOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS OF ANCHOVY SPRING MIGRATION TO THE AZOV SEA

Background. In autumn, after feeding in the Azov Sea, anchovy (Azov anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus maeoticus Pusanov & Zeeb, 1926) migrates to the Black Sea for wintering. In late March - early April, the majority of the Azov anchovy usually returns to the Azov Sea, while its lesser part remains in the coastal shallows of the Black Sea. To a large extent, the stock of anchovy in the Azov Sea depends on the oceanographic conditions of migration. Relevance. The study of the oceanographic conditions at the migration paths of the Azov anchovy is currently essential, because these conditions can influence its abundance and biomass in the Azov Sea. There has also been observed a low yield period in the reproduction of the Azov anchovy after 2016, which reasons remain unclear. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of currents and seawater temperature on the spring migration of anchovy in the Kerch Strait. Methods. This study is based on the data collected in 2005-2021 over the course of observations conducted by AzNIIRKH and YugNIRO at monitoring stations, as well as on the results of monitoring of fishery operations carried out by coastal fishing crews. As a source of oceanographic data, the website of the Copernicus Marine Service information system has been used. Results. The spring migration of anchovy through the Kerch Strait was observed within the time range from 23 March to 4 June with water temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 °C when currents in the north-eastern part of the Black Sea changed from north-western to south-eastern. Conclusion. The most favourable years for anchovy migration to the Azov Sea are those when the sea surface temperature by its beginning had already exceeded 11 °C and the prevailing winter north-western currents had not yet changed to south-eastern ones.