Ichthyoplankton of the coastal waters of northeastern shelf of the Black Sea and the Kerch Strait

Abstract

We study the state of summer ichthyoplankton and dynamics of its taxonomic composition and abundance near large harbor cities (Novorossiysk and Tuapse), as well as in the navigation areas and near transshipment harbor facilities (Taman’ Prichernomor’e and Kerch Strait). We show that temporal-spatial changes in the taxonomic composition and abundance of ichthyoplankton are determined by fluctuations of water temperature, pressure of predatory comb jelly Mnemiopsis leydyi and level of water pollution. High mortality rate and low abundance of fish eggs and larvae in the polluted areas of Novorossiysk, Tuapse, and Kerch Strait indicate unfavorable conditions for the embryonic and postembryonic development of fish in these areas. As judged by the state of ichthyoplankton the most favorable conditions are in the open part of the Novorossiysk Bay and Taman’ Prichernomor’e. Starting from 2002, the spawning populations of pelagophylic fish in the Novorossiysk Bay are gradually recovering to the level of 1980.