Sea of Azov: A brief review of the environment and fishery

Abstract

The Sea of Azov, bounded by Ukraine and Russia, is a unique brackish waterbody from many points of view despite its small size. Low water salinity, shallow waters, high summer temperatures, large riverine inputs of organic matter and minerals, and other factors lead to its very high biological productivity. The article reviews specific features of the Sea of Azov fish fauna and fisheries providing some historical and modern statistical data. An updated check-list of native and non-indigenous fish taxa permanently or occasionally inhabiting the Sea of Azov is included.