The work covered 15 water bodies in 9 administrative districts as part of regular monitoring of aquatic biological resources and preliminary reconnaissance studies.
The scientists comprehensively assessed the state of the environment: they recorded key abiotic parameters — water temperature and salinity, oxygen level and hydrogen index, and also collected hydrochemical and hydrobiological material. Special attention was paid to the study of gammarids: experts tested various fishing methods and implements — a Jedi plankton net, a bimtral, a trap frame and a trigger ‑ to understand how effective they are in local conditions. The researchers traced how gammarides are distributed in the water column, in the bottom layer, in macrophyte thickets and in the open part of reservoirs.
Gammarids were found in six reservoirs and represented by individuals of different ages. At the same time, scientists set up multi—layered gill nets to identify the presence of ichthyofauna: in a number of reservoirs, the presence of silver carp was recorded - so far this is the only confirmed fish species.
The collected materials are currently being prepared for detailed analysis: experts will assess the abundance, biomass and distribution of aquatic invertebrates in order to form an up-to-date picture of the state of the region's ecosystems.
VNIRO Press Service
