Azov-Black Sea Research Articles

Modern assessment of copper, lead, cadmium, and nickel concentrations in the water of the Lower Don

Introduction. Anthropogenic impact has affected the state of the lower reaches of the Don River, while reducing the natural reproduction of commercial fish species. Currently, for the conservation and reproduction of commercial fish species, passing and semi-passing fish species are released into the reservoir. Therefore, water quality control, including for the content of heavy metals, of the Lower reaches of the Don is especially important. Materials and methods. The paper presents data from the analytical testing center of the Azov-Black Sea branch of the Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography. Water samples were collected at eight monitoring stations in the lower reaches of the river. Dissolved forms of metals such as copper, lead, cadmium, and nickel were detected in the samples. Results. In the course of research, in some samples the concentrations of copper were found to exceed MPC. Such metals as lead, cadmium, and nickel did not exceed MPC throughout the study. Annual and seasonal trend in metal concentrations in water were also established. Limitations. The limitation of the research of this work lies in the fact that water samples were taken in the lower reaches of the Don River at only 8 monitoring stations, which does not provide complete information on the territory of the entire region. Conclusion. The content of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and nickel in the water of the Lower Don is safe for the purposes of aquaculture and reproduction of commercial species, since no exceedances of MPC were detected. However, the copper content in some water samples exceeded the MPC, which indicates the contamination of the reservoir, as well as the need to carry out a set of measures to purify water in this facility.

Оцінка впливу на рибні ресурси Азовського моря популяції великого баклана (Phalaсrocorax carbo sinensis Shaw et Nodder, 1801) коси Обитічна

Purpose. Assessment of the impact of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) on fish resources of the Sea of Azov and determination of dietary needs and feeding habits of this species during its nesting period on the Obytichna Spit (Zaporizhzhia region). Methodology. The study is based on field materials collected between 2015 and 2017 on the Obytichna Spit (Berdyansk district, Zaporizhzhia region). Data collection and processing were carried out according to generally accepted methods. The analysis of food samples was conducted by collecting regurgitations within the nesting colony and by analyzing the stomach contents of cormorants (n = 50) obtained from individuals eliminated by employees of the State Enterprise “Prymors’k Forestry” during planned population control measures. Based on these analyses, the daily fish consumption of the cormorant colony was estimated over the annual period, and the ratio of fish removed by cormorants to the official fish catch by fishermen was also analyzed. Statistical data processing was carried out using MS Excel. Findings. The study showed that the diet of the great cormorant in the Obytichna Spit area consisted of eight fish species, with the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus Pallas, 1814) and the monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis Pallas, 1814) being dominant. The total fish consumption by the cormorant colony on the Obytichna Spit amounts to 9563.75 tons per season. The impact of cormorants on fish resources in the northwestern Azov region is significant, accounting for 26.39% of the annual fish catch in 2016, and almost half (43.37%) of the annual fishermen’s catch for gobies, which form the basis of the cormorants’ diet in this colony. Originality. For the first time, detailed quantitative estimates of the daily fish consumption by a large colony of cormorants in the context of the species’ nesting at the Obytichna Spit were provided, particularly considering changes in the size structure of the prey in different years. Practical value. The obtained data can be used for managing fish resources and developing measures to minimize conflicts between fisheries and the great cormorant population in the Azov-Black Sea region of Ukraine. Additionally, the results of the study are successfully applied in the work of higher education institutions in Ukraine during the teaching of natural sciences for specialties 014.05 Secondary Education (Biology and Human Health), 091 Biology and Biochemistry and 101 Ecology. Keywords: fish resources, Sea of Azov, ecological impact, great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis (Shaw et Nodder, 1801), diet.

Influence of Migrations of Some Azov-Black Sea Basin Fish Species on Their Invasion with the Nematode <i>Hysterothylacium aduncum</i> in Different Seasons

The paper examines the influence of pre-spawning and post-spawning planktophagous and ichthyophagous fish migrations on the invasion degree of nematode Hysterothylacium aduncum (Rudolphi., 1802) in the northern part of the Azov-Black Sea basin. For the first time, a decrease in the parameters of invasion with an adult nematode in herring during its wintering in the Black Sea has been shown, compared with similar indicators during the period of post-spawning migration after spawning in the Azov Sea. According to the authors, the diet change is the main cause of the difference in the invasion rate of migrating planktophagus as well as ichthyophagous fish. The authors consider that one of the indirect reasons for the differences in the invasion values of migrating fish is the inequality in salinity in disparate water areas of the northern parts of the Black and Azov Seas.

On Some Issues in the Interaction of Railway and Maritime Transport.

Due to the introduction of Western sanctions, which caused a change in transport logistics, seaports faced a reorientation of cargo flows, an influx of new groups of cargo, and congestion of the railway and warehouse capacities, which led to complications in the interaction of seaports and the railway. Foreign trade was reoriented to the markets of friendly countries. The main areas of foreign economic activity at present are the eastern and Azov-Black Sea. The causes of problems in the transshipment of goods in the seaports of the Russian Federation are considered. Measures are proposed to reduce the impact of negative factors on the transportation process.

Patterns of development of export cargo flows of grain crops from the southern regions of Russia

The topic of the study is to identify patterns of development of export cargo flows of grain crops from the southern regions of the Russian Federation. The analysis of the volumes of grain shipments from the ports of the AzovBlack Sea and Caspian basins separately was carried out. The main consumers and importers of Russian grain are highlighted, as well as the main directions in the transportation of grain cargoes from the southern regions of Russia. Various standard sizes of bags involved in the transportation of this category of goods are considered, as well as the reasons for their use in the export of Russian grain from the ports of the Caspian Sea and the Black SeaAzov basin. The main types of grain crops to be exported from the southern regions of the Russian Federation are noted, including their shares of the total volume of all transported grain. The dynamics of changes in the volume of transportation of individual grain crops from the ports of the Black SeaAzov basin and the Caspian Sea, respectively, is presented. The trend towards a stable annual increase in export cargo flows of Russian grain is analyzed. The seasonality in the export of the studied category of goods is considered, annual temporary peaks in the curves of cargo flows corresponding to a sharp increase in the volume of grain shipments are highlighted. The presence of patterns in the behavior of the curves of grain export cargo flows from the southern regions of Russia is noted, manifested in the similarity of the shapes of the curves of transportation volumes over various years, as well as in their desire to approach the average curve of cargo flows calculated for the entire analyzed period. The question was raised about the possibility of taking into account the trends under consideration when forecasting changes in the volume of grain export shipments from the ports of the Black SeaAzov and Caspian basins.

Molecular phylogeny, morphology and distribution of Amphitetras antediluviana Ehrenberg from the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov

The intriguing large-celled species of Amphitetras antediluviana Ehrenberg was originally described as a fossil species (Ehrenberg, 1840), but later noted in a living state in various regions of the World ocean. Our recent studies revealed that the species has been found for the last decade in significant numbers in many habitats along the coast of the Azov-Black Sea basin. Two strains—the large valves from Laspi Bay, the Black Sea (BL-5_12092019) and the small valves from the Sea of Azov (AZ-12_24122019)—were isolated and analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy along with molecular-genetic investigation. Specimens of the two populations differ in valve sizes and structure, however, their belonging to the same species was confirmed with the help of molecular analysis. Taxonomic positions of the strains of A. antediluviana isolated from two marine waterbodies were clarified. In addition, we provided a detailed morphological diagnosis of the species with a description of the valve ultrastructure and its elements, as well as geographical distribution and taxonomic history.

Analysis of fauna of mollusks, pollen assemblages and sedimentary environments in the Taganrog Bay of the Sea of Azov

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive study of well sections drilled on the coastal spits of the Taganrog Gulf of the Sea of Azov and bottom sediment columns selected in the water area. A detailed analysis of the early malacological communities, an important participant in the sedimentary process, made it possible to trace changes in their living conditions in the Holocene. Based on determining the absolute age (14C) from the valves of mollusk shells buried in situ, it is shown that at the beginning of the Phanagorian regression, in the area of the distal part of the Dolgaya Spit, there was a sea reservoir with an Azov-Black Sea complex of reference species. Based on the results of palynological analysis, changes in the natural conditions of the Azov region over the past few thousand years have been reconstructed and arid and humid climatic phases have been identified.

Connection between the Variability of Atmospheric Circulation Characteristics in the Azov-Black Sea Region and the Indices of the Main Modes of Large-scale Atmospheric Circulation in the Atlantic-Eurasian Sector

Connection between the Variability of Atmospheric Circulation Characteristics in the Azov-Black Sea Region and the Indices of the Main Modes of Large-scale Atmospheric Circulation in the Atlantic-Eurasian Sector

Оценка предложений по формированию сети альтернативных маршрутов следования коридора «Север — Юг»

Purpose: to develop proposals for the development of the expected growth in traffic volumes along the North–South transport corridor. To assess the capacity of the Upper Baskunchak — Astrakhan — Olya port section as the most heavily loaded, where cargo flows from several directions merge. To show the need to unload the main direction of the North-South corridor and form a network of alternative routes in the transport corridor to ensure transportation guarantees in case of force majeure. Consider the possibility of attracting parallel routes through the North Caucasus Railway (SKZHD). Methods: the calculation of throughput was carried out using the methodology used in JSC “Russian Railways” and the author’s proposals, taking into account additional reserves of throughput. General logical methods were used — quantitative and qualitative analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, analogies, classifications, a combination of historical and logical analyses. The proposed universal algorithm, which makes it possible to evaluate the possibility of choosing parallel moves, can be recommended for practical use. Results: the maximum number of trains that can be redirected to parallel routes has been established, taking into account the available capacity and their workload with export cargo traffic in the direction of the ports of the Azov-Black Sea basin. The relevance of the direction of development of heavy traffic aimed at reducing the required capacity and reducing inter-train intervals to increase the available capacity is shown. A universal algorithm has been formed that allows evaluating the possibility of choosing parallel moves. Practical significance: the necessity of mastering the expected cargo flow and preventing its departure to competing destinations, for example, through the Suez Canal, is shown. In the current political and economic conditions, the North — South International Transport Corridor (ITC) is changing its status: from an alternative to the Suez Canal, it is becoming one of the priority routes for Russian export cargo traffic.

Oceanographic conditions of spring migration of European anchovy as a factor of formation of its spawning stock in the Sea of Azov

The aim of the work is to determine the influence of sea water circulation and temperature on the formation of the spawning stock of anchovy in the Sea of Azov.Materials and methods: Fishery and biological data on the spawning stock of the Azov anchovy were collected in surveys and bioresources monitoring carried out by the Azov-Black Sea branch of the VNIRO («AzNIIRKH») in 2000–2021. Satellite sea level data were used in the analysis of sea water circulation. These data, as well as satellite information on sea surface temperature for March-June 2000–2021 for the north-eastern part of the Black Sea and the southern part of the Azov Sea were taken from the website of the Copernicus Marine Service information system. Graphical and statistical methods of analyzing multi-year changes in the data were used in the work. The novelty of the performed work lies in the study of oceanographic conditions of spring migration of anchovy to the Sea of Azov as factors determining the size of its spawning stock in this sea.Result: intensive growth of the spawning stock of anchovy in the Sea of Azov was observed in 2008, 2010 and 2011. This was facilitated by: predominance of north-western geostrophic currents in the north-eastern part of the Black Sea in April 2008–2011, weakening of the Azov currents in the Kerch Strait in April 2007–2010 and predominance of the Black Sea currents in May 2004–2012, Decrease in the meridional gradient of water temperature in the Kerch Strait in April 2007–2010.Practical significance: the possibility of using oceanographic information for April-May to predict the size of the spawning and commercial stock of anchovy in the Sea of Azov.

Distribution and Genesis of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in Bottom Sediments of Coastal Water Areas of the Crimea (the Black and Azov Seas)

The aim of the article is to assess the level of aliphatic hydrocarbon (AHC) contamination in bottom sediments of the Azov–Black Sea coast of the Crimea, as well as to identify potential sources of its formation. Bottom sediment samples obtained from 19 stations during the research cruise of the R/V “Professor Vodyanitsky” (June 2020) were used as the material for this investigation. Sampling stations were located along the coast of the Crimean Peninsula and the Caucasus coastlines (the Black and Azov Seas). N-hexane extracts of sediments were studied by gas chromatography to determine the AHC amount and composition. It was established that AHC concentrations in the study area varied from 1.30 to 127.8 mg/100 g. Generally, bottom sediments of the Black and Azov Seas were characterized by low AHC contents, while increased AHC contents were found in the outer harbor of Sevastopol and Yalta regions. To identify potential hydrocarbon sources, various hydrocarbon markers were used. In most of the study areas, n-alkane composition was determined by similar sources of inputs and organic compound transformation. At the same time, oil pollution linked with use of fuel was recorded almost everywhere.

Актуальные угрозы внешнеторговой безопасности Российской Федерации в условиях изменения тарифной политики Турецкой республики в отношении транзита через проливы Босфор и Дарданеллы

the article presents the results of a study of current threats to the foreign trade security of the Russian Federation in the context of changes in the tariff policy of the Turkish Republic regarding transit through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits. An infographic of the cargo turnover of ports of the Azov-Black Sea basin in 2015 is presented. A design scheme for the construction of the Istanbul canal from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean is presented.

SPECIES STRUCTURE AND NUMBER OF BIRDS OF THE LOWER TYLIGUL ESTUARY IN THE SPRING OF 2019–2023

The aim of the work is to assess the dynamic characteristics of hydrophilic birds in the spring period of 2019–2023. Methods. In the open area, bird counts were carried out from a car with numerous stops to inspect territories and water areas using 10×, 12× binoculars and a 30–60× telescope. Observations were conducted on foot in areas with tree-shrub vegetation and along small water bodies. Registration of species was carried out both by visual observations and by the sounds of birds. Main results. 99 bird species of 13 orders were registered. Representatives of theorders Anseriformes, Gruiformes, Charadriiformes and Passeriformes dominated. Conclusions. Within the relatively little-changed natural complexes and in the adjacent territories and water areas of the region, relative stability of species diversity of birds and their quantitative characteristics has been observed in recent years. The population dynamics observed in some ecological groups of birds do not go beyond the normal fluctuations that are naturally inherent to them. Signs of an increase in the number of some species within the studied region in recent years can be associated with an increase in the level of danger in the eastern part of the Azov-Black Sea region in connection with military events.

STATISTICAL EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE INDICATORS OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANTS AS A SOURCE OF ENERGY FOR WATER DESALINATION IN THE AZOV-BLACK SEA REGION OF UKRAINE

The application of statistical methods for the analysis of random processes to obtain quantitative estimates for the performance indicators of photovoltaic plants as a stochastic energy source is considered. The power generation process is represented by a set of daily random functions with their respective trends and stochastic components. One hour was taken as the minimum stationari-ty interval of trend’s statistical characteristics. A time period of 16 years was studied to obtain statistically stable estimates. The meteorological database SARAH2 was used as a source of hourly data on the density of solar irradiance, ambient temperature and wind speed in the middle part of the Azov-Black Sea region of Ukraine. For mathematical modelling of power generation and electricity production processes, specialized software PVGIS version 5.2 of the European Commission was used. Hourly quantitative estimates of expected daily power generation trends for each month of the year, as well as their correlation functions, were computed. Algorithms were developed and levels of probabilistic assurance for hourly generated power were evaluated. Statistical estimates of the expected daily, monthly, and annual volumes of electricity production by photovoltaic power plants were studied, taking into account the meteorological conditions in the said region.

ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF FUNCTIONING OF COMMERCIAL PORTS OF UKRAINE

Thearticle presents the results of the study of the functioning of the ports of Ukraine through the prism of the impact of the war. A generalized analysis of the operation of Ukraine's ports from the first wave of blockade by the Russian Federation in 2022 to the current state is presented, including the actual throughput capacity of functioning ports and the nomenclature of cargo handling by Danube ports in 2023. In addition, the dynamics and structure of the supply of agricultural products by the main modes of transport are provided, where the importance of the ports of Ukraine as the main way of exporting agricultural products to ensure their arrival on international markets is highlighted; shows changes in grain and wheat prices between January 2021 and August 2023 based on International Grains Council indices. The role of the ports of the Danube region and the grain agreement for the export of cargo flows of agricultural andother products to African and Asian markets is singled out. The question of the potential for further development, development, modernization and renewal of the infrastructure of the ports of Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaysk was revealed. The restoration of ship calls to the ports of Greater Odessa thanks to the formation of Ukraine's own humanitarian corridor was emphasized. The consequences of Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine in the field of port activity are grouped due to the consequences of direct and indirect influence. The risks of shipping among the countries of the Azov-Black Sea basin from the standpoint of security are summarized. It is concluded that the consequences of the protracted war scenario in Ukraine will have a negative impact not only on the port industry, but will also become a catalyst for an economic crisis in the developed economies of the world.

Morphological and genetic identification of an invasive species of the genus Melita (Amphipoda: Melitidae) from the Azov–Black Sea basin

Morphological and genetic identification of an invasive species of the genus Melita (Amphipoda: Melitidae) from the Azov–Black Sea basin

Морський кадастр: українські реалії в контексті світового досвіду

The purpose of this study is to attract the attention and awareness of state authorities and local self-government bodies, specialists and the public to the role of the marine cadastre in the economy of Ukraine and to initiate a discussion on the subject of its creation and functioning. To achieve the goal, an analysis of the current state of the maritime cadastre in a number of foreign countries and in Ukraine was performed.Method. In the process of conducting this research, an analytical method was used. In particular, the structure, management methods and functioning of the marine cadastral systems of the USA, Canada, Australia, Malaysia and a number of European countries have been studied. An analysis of the regulatory and legal acts and the institutional base of Ukraine for the possibility of creating a system of the country’s maritime cadastre was carried out. The object of the study was the sea water areas of the Ukrainian Azov-Black Sea basin and the coastal protective strips of the seas. The research results show that there are legal, institutional and technical prerequisites for the creation of a marine cadastral system in Ukraine. For the full functioning of the marine cadastre system of Ukraine, it is necessary to supplement the existing legislative and regulatory framework, which would allow to regulate in the legal field the issues of institutional and technical support of the cadastre, as well as its administration.When creating a marine cadastre, one should observe an important principle: the land-sea environment is a complete natural-territorial complex. Scientific novelty and practical significance.. The main problems that must be solved in order to build and operate an effective marine cadastre system in Ukraine are defined. Given the fact that coastal territories and the marine environment should be considered as integral natural complexes, in terms of organizational and management, the administrators of the marine cadastre at this stage can be the structural subdivisions of the State Geocadastre and the State Hydrography of Ukraine.

A Brief Outline of Navigation on the Black and Azov Seas from Antiquity to the Russian Regular Fleet

Based on the principles of historicism and consistency, the article examines the stages of navigation in the Azov-Black Sea basin from early antiquity to the Russian regular Navy. Little-known written and material sources were used. The evolution of sailing and rowing vessels is shown, due to the tasks of certain periods and the technological capabilities of the subjects. The constant attractiveness of the Azov Sea and the mouth of the Don River with adjacent lands as sources of rich food resources and as a crossroads of world trade routes for very remote states for thousands of years has been revealed. The decisive role of motivation, technical and professional training of naval potential in ensuring the military and economic success of participants in the competitive historical process is shown. The political and economic expediency and firm consistency of Russia in gaining access to the South Seas, which culminated in the implementation of Peter the Great's Azov project, are emphasized. Using concrete examples, the effectiveness of the principle of historicism in scientific and practical reconstructions of voyages on replica ships of the past is demonstrated. It is concluded that in order to acquire the proper level of national consciousness, Russians need systematic historical education and enlightenment.

Fishery resources of commercial invertebrates of Russian Seas and it’s use during 2000–2020

The purpose of the work is to describe the changes of resources of commercial invertebrates in Russia and to analyze its use over the mentioned period.The research methods consisted in summarizing information on the state of the resources of commercial invertebrates in the seas of Russia and analyzing of the data of fishing statistics for 2000–2020.Results of the study are a description of the changes that have occurred with the main stocks of commercial invertebrates in the seas of Russia and the features of fishery, with an assessment of the current state of stocks.Discussion. The number of stocks for fishery prediction increased during the first two decades of the XXI century due to finding of new commercial fishery subjects. At the same time, a number of invertebrate stock units have lost their commercial significance over the past two decades of the XXI century. Сhanges in the structure of the resources and fishery of commercial invertebrates happened. The structure of invertebrates resources of the Far Eastern Fisheries basin proved to be the most conservative, while the importance of new fishing subjects significantly increased in the Northern and Azov-Black Sea fisheries basins.The novelty of the work lies in the analysis of the state invertebrates resources in the seas of Russia and their fishery in 2000–2020.Conclusion. In general, the fishery resources of invertebrates in the Russian Seas were fairly stable during 2000 to 2020, and ensured an increase in catch due to more full use.

РАЗВИТИЕ ИНСТРУМЕНТОВ ОЦЕНКИ РЕЗЕРВОВ ПРОПУСКНОЙ СПОСОБНОСТИ ЖЕЛЕЗНОДОРОЖНЫХ УЧАСТКОВ НА БАЗЕ СОЗДАНИЯ ЦИФРОВОГО ДВОЙНИКА И ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ ИСКУССТВЕННОЙ НЕЙРОННОЙ СЕТИ

The article proposes the development of artificial intelligence technologies and the development of specialized research tools for ways to enhance the capacity of the direction based on the creation of a digital twin of a real railway section of the North Caucasus Railway with heavy freight and passenger traffic in the direction of the ports of the Azov-Black Sea basin and resorts in Southern Russia. The task of intelligent (neural network) control of the transportation process is actualized, the problems of modeling complex objects are disclosed and the subtasks of conducting an experiment on the choice of control actions for operational capacity increase on a railway section are formed.