As part of the work, the spatial distribution and biomass density of marine hydrobionts are studied, fish populations are assessed, their physiological condition is examined, the food base of the water body, the hydro‑hydrochemical and ecological‑toxicological characteristics of the environment, as well as the state of populations of two invasive ctenophore species. Special attention is paid to Caspian sprat — their distribution and biomass will help to assess the total and commercial stock.
On August 14, the vessel “Raisa Khodorevskaya” set out on a voyage to assess the sturgeon stocks and the number of their juveniles in the northern part of the Caspian Sea. During the expedition, they will conduct ichthyological, hydrobiological, hydrochemical, and ecotoxicological studies, collect material for molecular genetic analysis, determine the concentration areas of sturgeon, the size and weight composition of the catches, the physiological state of the fish, and the development of the food base in the feeding areas.
Exploratory surveys in the Northern and Middle Caspian are needed to develop long‑term forecasts of the permissible and recommended catch of aquatic biological resources in the Volga‑Caspian basin, taking into account sea level regression; the data collected will make it possible to comprehensively assess the state of the habitat in the surveyed water area.
Press service of VNIRO
