The current state of stocks of anadromous and semi-anadromous fish of the Azov basin

The aim: assessment of the current state and long-term dynamics of the populations of anadromous and semi-anadromous fish of the Sea of Azov, the efficiency of their reproduction and forecast of the formation of their commercial stocks in the medium term in changing hydrological conditions. Methods: the work is based on the results of complex and accounting expeditions of the Azov-Black Sea branch of the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation FGBNU «VNIRO» («AzNIIRKH»), stock data for the period from 1923 to 2023, fishing statistics materials. When considering possible scenarios for the formation of commercial stocks of anadromous and semi-anadromous fish species in the Sea of Azov for the period up to 2030, data on the actual dynamics and trends of changes in their populations in analogous periods were used. Data on the ecological valence of various species fish at different stages of ontogenesis in relation to salinity were also analyzed. Novelty: the article presents long-term materials on the state of stocks and catches of anadromous and semi-anadromous fish species of the Sea of Azov in changing environmental conditions. Three possible scenarios for the formation of commercial stocks of anadromous and semi-anadromous fish species in the Sea of Azov in the medium term under conditions of a changing hydrological regime are presented. Results: an analysis of the long-term dynamics of populations, stocks and catches of anadromous and semi-anadromous fish species of the Azov Sea in changing environmental conditions was performed. Possible scenarios for the development of the hydrological regime of the Azov Sea and the formation of commercial stocks of anadromous and semi-anadromous fish species for the period up to 2030 are shown. Practical significance: the forecast of the formation of stocks and possible catches of anadromous and semi-anadromous fish species in the Sea of Azov at different salinity levels in the medium term is presented.