Showing papers in "Russian Journal of Biological Invasions in 2015"
TL;DR: It is shown that Polygraphus proximus Blandf.
Abstract: The role of Polygraphus proximus Blandf., an invasive bark beetle of Far Eastern origin, in the transformation of taiga ecosystems of the plains of Western Siberia is evaluated. It is shown that this species is currently one of the main factors of degradation of the Siberian fir forests and various changes in their ecosystems. The consequences of invader outbreaks in fir forests of the region are massive mortality of forest stands, reduction in the number of and deterioration in the vitality of fir undergrowth, and significant changes in the species composition and structure of the vegetation cover and xylophilous insect fauna.
33 citations
TL;DR: The results of the study on spread, pathways, vectors, and ecological impact on the native fauna of alien invertebrate and fish species in the Dnieper River basin are presented and the “Black List” of invertebrates and fish for the studied basin is proposed.
Abstract: The results of the study on spread, pathways, vectors, and ecological impact on the native fauna of alien invertebrate and fish species in the Dnieper River basin are presented. The relationship between invasive processes and basin hydrology is analyzed. It is shown that the main factor in spreading of alien species in the central part of the basin was related to the damming of the river, turning it into a cascade of reservoirs, and introduction of PontoCaspian species into the rese rvoirs. The differences in pathways and vectors for upstream, middle, and downstream parts of the river were revealed. In the midstream reservoirs, the main pathway was intentional introduction aimed at the improvement of valuable fish food resources, whereas that for the upstream part of the Dnieper and Pripyat rivers was shipping and natural spread. The "Black List" of invertebrates and fish for the studied basin is proposed.
23 citations
TL;DR: It is hypothesize that, in the foreseeable future, the inflow of the alien mollusk species to the Western Siberian inland waters will remain low owing to some physical-geographical peculiarities of this area.
Abstract: This review deals with the problem of mollusk invasions into the inland waters of the Western Siberian region. The data on all the alien species of snails and bivalves registered up to now in water bodies of the region are provided. Possible ways and mechanisms of penetration of the alien species into the Western Siberian water bodies are discussed. The most well-studied case of mollusk invasion, that of the European river snail, Viviparus viviparus (L., 1758), into water bodies of the Ob-Irtysh basin, is considered in detail. An ecological and geographical classification of the invader species is proposed. It includes three categories: (1) exotic species, (2) species belonging to the boreal European complex which regain the lost part of their range, and (3) heat-loving species of South European origin. We hypothesize that, in the foreseeable future, the inflow of the alien mollusk species to the Western Siberian inland waters will remain low owing to some physical-geographical peculiarities of this area.
17 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of the research was to study the invasions of plants into communities of initial stages of regenerative successions in landscapes of the southeast of Belarus by the example of Solidago canadensis.
Abstract: The purpose of the research was to study the invasions of plants into communities of initial stages of regenerative successions in landscapes of the southeast of Belarus (by the example of Solidago canadensis L.). Intrusion of Solidago canadensis L. into the plant succession had the following consequences: decrease in specific abundance, suppression of arboreal undergrowth, long preservation of high level of synanthropization, and inhibition of the directed changes in plant communities.
15 citations
TL;DR: The alien species rotifer Kellicottia bostoniensis was recorded for the first time in oxbow at the Sozh River flood plain (Dnieper River basin, Republic of Belarus) in August 2013 as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The alien species rotifer Kellicottia bostoniensis was recorded for the first time in oxbow at the Sozh River flood plain (Dnieper River basin, Republic of Belarus) in August 2013. This species was found in littoral zone at a depth of about 0.5 m.
13 citations
TL;DR: A comparative analysis of the nonnative floras of 23 specially protected natural areas of Ukraine, including 2 biosphere reserves, 5 nature reserves with 9 departments, and 12 national natural parks located in four natural zones, reveals a considerable variation in taxonomic and typological structures of the anthropophytes from the native flora.
Abstract: The current study presents a comparative analysis of the nonnative floras of 23 specially protected natural areas, including 2 biosphere reserves, 5 nature reserves with 9 departments, and 12 national natural parks located in four natural zones of the flatland part of Ukraine. The taxonomic diversity of the studied floras comprises 484 species from 278 genera and 72 families (about 60% of those recorded in the country). The study reveals a considerable variation in taxonomic and typological structures of the anthropophytes from the native flora. The spatial distribution of alien plant species corresponds to the general biological pattern: there is a substantial number of rare species, fewer species have an average constancy, and cosmopolitan species occur rarely. This pattern, consequently, determines a low similarity among the studied nonnative floras. However, the cluster analysis shows almost complete zonal differentiation of the studied floras. The exceptions are the floras of some nature reserve areas with a specific functional-territorial structure. The reference value of the floras of the Ukraine natural reserve fund is questioned.
13 citations
TL;DR: During the monitoring investigations in the Don River estuary, an alien polychaete species of the family Sabellidae was recorded, there is an uncertainty at the species level: both A. riwo and A. heterobranchiata characters are present, though the latter seems to be more likely.
Abstract: During the monitoring investigations in the Don River estuary, an alien polychaete species of the family Sabellidae was recorded. Polychaete specimens were collected two times within a month, in the later sample one specimen had eggs in anterior abdominal chaetigers. The description of present specimens is provided. All the specimens match the diagnosis of the genus Aracia Nogueira, Fitzhugh et Rossi, 2010. However, there is an uncertainty at the species level: both A. riwo and A. heterobranchiata characters are present, though the latter seems to be more likely. Probable way of penetration into the Don River estuary is ballast water tanks, for many tankers use to spill their ballast water in this area.
9 citations
TL;DR: The alien fish species composition of the Kuybyshev reservoir is considered and the possibilities of penetration of new representatives into the reservoir ecosystem are analyzed.
Abstract: The alien fish species composition of the Kuybyshev reservoir is considered. The years of finding and vectors of introduction of such fish into the reservoir are provided. The possibilities of penetration of new representatives into the reservoir ecosystem are analyzed.
9 citations
TL;DR: The invasive species Korean sharpbelly Hemiculter leucisculus was found in the watershed area of the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan) and the species status was confirmed by the morphological analysis and by the genetic analysis of two loci of mtDNA: COI and cytochrome b.
Abstract: The invasive species Korean sharpbelly Hemiculter leucisculus was found in the watershed area of the Caspian Sea (Azerbaijan). The species status was confirmed by the morphological analysis and by the genetic analysis of two loci of mtDNA: COI and cytochrome b. The data on distribution, morphology, and biology of sharpbelly in freshwaters of Azerbaijan are provided. Nowadays, Korean sharpbelly H. leucisculus is a common naturalized species that is widely distributed throughout Azerbaijan. Probably, it penetrated into freshwaters of Azerbaijan from the water bodies of neighboring countries, where this species was detected previously as an invasive one, or it settled here owing to the accidental appearance during the introduction of other species of water organisms to Azerbaijan.
8 citations
TL;DR: The current distribution of the Ponto-Caspian alien mollusk species of the genus Dreissena (Dreissena bugensis and D. polymorpha) in the water bodies of the Middle and Lower Volga is shown.
Abstract: The current distribution of the Ponto-Caspian alien mollusk species of the genus Dreissena (Dreissena bugensis and D. polymorpha) in the water bodies of the Middle and Lower Volga is shown. Since the invasion of quagga mussel (D. bugensis) which took place 20 years ago, the occurrence ratio of this species has remained stable. This fact provides no evidence for the ongoing replacement of one species by another. The distribution area of D. polymorpha is expanding presently owing to its penetration into rivers where this species was never registered before.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two types of introduction of invasive species from different landscapes are identified: (a) extraand intrazonal and (b) zonal. And the authors describe the processes which lead to the reduction of the fodder value of pastures and jeopardize the maintenance of cattle breeding in Central Mongolia.
Abstract: The studies of the steppe ecosystems in Central Mongolia have showed that the simplification of steppe communities has taken place over recent decades. This occurred by reduction of species diversity and abundance of indigenous dominants—tussock grasses—as a result of sharp rise in pasture loads and a long dry period. We have identified two types of introduction of invasive species from different landscapes: (a) extraand intrazonal and (b) zonal. The first type of succession is characterized by focal distribution of Ephedra sinica from ecosystems of low mountains to the surrounding mountain plains. The second type of succession in dry steppes is associated with the expansion of Allium polyrrhizum, whose distribution has largely a frontal character and is caused by weakening of the competitiveness of indigenous species of grass communities because of their significant digression. A further factor in ensuring the conditions for invasion is the aeolian alkalization of the upper horizons of zonal chestnut soils. The ecological and biological features of these two species, widespread in the desert-steppe and desert landscapes and penetrating into the steppe ecosystems, make it possible to speak about biological desertification. The wide area of Ephedra sinica and Allium polyrrhizum indicates a progressive character of the studied types of succession, and as a result of this, the borders of these areas have reached at present the southern periphery of the Baikal Lake basin. The paper describes the processes which lead to the reduction of the fodder value of pastures and jeopardize the maintenance of cattle breeding in Central Mongolia.
TL;DR: It is most probable that the striped field mouse was introduced from the basin of the Argun River with a cargo of agricultural products to the lower reaches of the Onon River or the upper reach of the Shilka River.
Abstract: Materials on the new findings of the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) in Transbaikalia, within an earlier disjunction area in the habitat of this species (in the basins of the Onon and Ingoda rivers), are presented. Possible causes of the expansion of the species range are discussed. It is most probable that the species was introduced from the basin of the Argun River with a cargo of agricultural products to the lower reaches of the Onon River or the upper reaches of the Shilka River. Currently, the striped field mouse is a com� mon species inhabiting a floodplain shrub biotope in the lower reaches of the Ingoda and Onon rivers.
TL;DR: The ecological characteristics of red king crab, the possibility of its habitation in the inner White Sea, and explanations for finding of the crab specimen near Cape Kartesh are discussed.
Abstract: An ovigerous female of red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) was caught near the White Sea Biological Station of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Kandalaksha Bay, outer part of Chupa Inlet, Krivozerskaya Cove, Cape Kartesh) on August 21, 2013. That was the first record of the red king crab (an alien species having been established in the Barents Sea) in the inner White Sea. Earlier, this species was recorded only in the Voronka, the most distant part of the White Sea, which is substantially closer to the Barents Sea than the White Sea by its oceanographic features. The size of the female crab and its reproductive phase corresponded in general to those observed in the Barents Sea population in summer, but the quantity of developing eggs on pleopods was two order of magnitude lower than in the females of similar size in the Barents Sea. We discuss the ecological characteristics of red king crab, the possibility of its habitation in the inner White Sea, and explanations for finding of the crab specimen near Cape Kartesh. The more likely scenario is introduction by man. In the case of both human-mediated introduction and natural migration from the Voronka of the White Sea, the prospect for naturalization of P. camtschaticus in the inner White Sea is doubtful. This naturalization will be limited by low salinity in the coastal areas where crab reproduction takes place and below zero temperature of the entire water column, not allowing the finding of wintering habitats suitable for adult crab males and females.
TL;DR: Sixteen species of parasites and forms not identified to species level, one of which is Gyrodactylus perccotti, a speciesspecific representative of the parasite fauna of sleeper from the native range, were revealed.
Abstract: The parasite fauna of Amur sleeper was investigated in three water bodies of Kyiv oblast. Sixteen species of parasites and forms not identified to species level, one of which is Gyrodactylus perccotti, a speciesspecific representative of the parasite fauna of sleeper from the native range, were revealed. Ciliates of the genus Trichodina were dominant in all water bodies under study, whose maximum level of invasion in some water bodies reached 100% and 1500 spec./org. The majority of the presented parasite species are widespread in water bodies of Europe and Asia, without restricted host specificity.
TL;DR: This work state the southernmost record worldwide of C. fluminea, which has established in the entire Negro River basin, upstream until Cipolletti and downstream until Viedma, where it reached densities up to 525 ind./m2.
Abstract: The invasive Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea (Muller, 1778), is reported in new localities from the Negro River, from Conesa until Viedma. Fourteen years since its first record in this area, the species has established in the entire Negro River basin, upstream until Cipolletti and downstream until Viedma, where it reached densities up to 525 ind./m2. The most probable dispersal vector of clams is passive upstream and downstream transport which is probably facilitated by some human activities, such as fishing, fish stocking, recreational activities, sand and gravel extraction. This work state the southernmost record worldwide of C. fluminea.
TL;DR: Micromorphological characters of flowers at different stages of development for typical plants and two cultivars and a number of features in which C. arborescens has a competitive superiority over closely related taxa are revealed.
Abstract: Some data on flowering biology of a potentially aggressive alien species—Caragana arborescens—are presented. Micromorphological characters of flowers at different stages of development for typical plants and two cultivars (C. arborescens f. pendula and C. arborescens f. lorbergii) and also for the Central Asian C. laeta are described. The pollen fertility is defined. A number of features in which C. arborescens has a competitive superiority over closely related taxa are revealed. Arguments for C. arborescens f. lorbergii allocation as a particular taxon are adduced.
TL;DR: The modern status and population trends of three alien semiaquatic mammals in a transboundary (Mongolia/Russia) ecosystem of the Uvs Nuur Hollow were studied and it is stated that the adaptation to a new ecosystem is easier for herbivorous mammals having richer and stabler food resources than for carnivorous animals.
Abstract: The modern status and population trends of three alien semiaquatic mammals in a transboundary (Mongolia/Russia) ecosystem of the Uvs Nuur Hollow were studied. The muskrat, American mink, and Eurasian beaver (Sino-Mongolian subspecies) have almost equivalent size of “life arenas,” but different population trends, different success in naturalization, and different impact on native ecosystems. It is concluded that differences of naturalization in these three mammals are defined not by postintroduction history or the effect of some abiotic factors, but by the diversity and abundance of trophic niches in the Uvs Nuur Basin. It is stated that, in the conditions of a sharply continental climate and a rigid hydroregime, the adaptation to a new ecosystem is easier for herbivorous mammals having richer and stabler food resources than for carnivorous animals. The behavioral adaptive mechanisms promoting naturalization are described. The evolutionary stability of the building instinct is very important for beaver colonization of new habitats. The utilitarian value of alien species for the human population of the given territory is estimated.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provided data on the species composition and occurrence of the termophilic and Eastern Pacific representatives of ichthyofauna in the Pacific waters off the northern Kuril Islands and eastern Kamchatka in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Abstract: The data on the species composition and occurrence of the termophilic and Eastern Pacific representatives of ichthyofauna in the Pacific waters off the northern Kuril Islands and eastern Kamchatka in the 20th–21st centuries are provided. Thirty-three species of termophilic and twelve species of Eastern Pacific fish and lampreys from 35 families have been registered during this period in the Pacific waters near the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka. Annual and seasonal dynamics of appearance of some fish species in the surveyed region in 1992–2002 are analyzed.
TL;DR: The second report reviews naturalization and expansion of ten vascular plant species in Vladimir oblast (Russia) in the last decade and the data on further four-year expansion (2010–2013) are presented.
Abstract: The second report reviews naturalization and expansion of ten vascular plant species in Vladimir oblast (Russia) in the last decade. All records of Acer tataricum L., Amelanchier × spicata (Lam.) K. Koch, Bidens frondosa L., Cuscuta campestris Yuncker, Galinsoga quadriradiata Ruiz et Pav., Nuttallanthus canadensis (L.) D.A. Sutton, Poa supina Schrad., Rosa villosa L., Rumex stenophyllus Ledeb., and Zizania palustris L. since the first record until the end of 2013 are summarized. Series of grid maps for each species (dated 2007, 2011, and 2013), frequency of occurrence, ecological preferences, earlier reports from neighboring regions, and probable invasion routes are discussed. The data on further four-year expansion (2010–2013) are presented for ten species characterized in the first report: Epilobium tetragonum L., Hypochoeris radicata L., Ambrosia trifida L., Erigeron × huelsenii Vatke (E. droebachiensis auct.), Aronia mitschurinii A.K. Skvortsov et Maitul., Trifolium fragiferum L., Phragmites altissimus (Benth.) Mabille, Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., Vicia villosa Roth, and Galega orientalis Lam.
TL;DR: It is found that this species has inhabited almost all the water bodies of the central and northern parts of Armenia and is now one of the abundant fish species in these water bodies.
Abstract: The article presents data on the contemporary distribution of a species alien to the fish fauna of Armenia—topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck et Schlegel, 1846) (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae)—within the country. It is found that this species has inhabited almost all the water bodies of the central and northern parts of Armenia and is now one of the abundant fish species in these water bodies.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors performed an integrated analysis of environmental conditions, climate, hydrological network, and the effects of predators, diseases, spatial arrangement of settlements, size of the settlemetns, number of dams in settlements, specific foraging features, and food resources, as well as mathematical data processing using the classic models of population dynamics.
Abstract: Results of the long-term analysis of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) and its settlements in the Pushta River basin and Moksha River floodplain lakes in the southeastern part of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve during the period of 1940–2013 are described. The numbers of beaver settlements and animals living there 73 years after they were reintroduced have stabilized in the ranges of 20–29 settlements and 65–96 individuals. The performed integrated analysis of environmental conditions, climate, hydrological network, and the effects of predators, diseases, spatial arrangement of settlements, size of the settlemetns, number of dams in settlements, specific foraging features, and food resources, as well as mathematical data processing using the classic models of population dynamics (Malthus, Beverton–Holt, and Ricker) and a time series analysis, suggests that the dynamics is at a climax stage with a fluctuation at low abundance level. A hypothetical theoretical qualitative model of the long-term beaver population dynamics is discussed for different restoration rates of food resources. Using this model, it is shown that typical of the population dynamics in the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve and Oksky Nature Reserve as well as Allegheny National Forest is a high restoration rate of food resources (type I dynamics). On the other hand, characteristic of the population dynamics in the Lapland, Il’menskii, PechoraIlych, and Mordovia nature reserves is a low restoration rate of food resources (type II dynamics). It is inferred that the further development of the beaver population in the Mordovia Nature Reserve will mainly depend on the functional (the rate of food restoration in abandoned habitats as well as the growth scale and rate of black alder stands in the abandoned beaver settlements) and random (cold winters, winter floods, and droughts) factors influencing the beaver population dynamics in the nature reserve.
TL;DR: The results do not show any statistically significant effect of domestic animals from fur farms on the morphological variation in wild minks, and the mechanisms limiting wide-range hybridizations based on morphogenetic differences between wild and domestic populations as a result of different selection vectors are postulated.
Abstract: Craniometrical variation is studied using 441 American mink Neovison vison Baryshnikov and Abramov, 1997 (Schreber, 1777) skulls from nine geographically isolated populations and subpopulations, including domestic minks from a fur farm, with the aim to assess the factors underlying morphological diversity. The geographic origin of populations and potential hybridization between wild minks and domesticated individuals escaping from fur farms are regarded as the main hypotheses of morphological diversity. Sexual size dimorphism is leveled by using nonparametric multidimensional scaling. The results do not show any statistically significant effect of domestic animals from fur farms on the morphological variation in wild minks. The mechanisms limiting wide-range hybridizations based on morphogenetic differences between wild and domestic populations as a result of different selection vectors (stabilizing natural selection in wild populations and breeding) are postulated. Along with such biases, wild mink populations display certain patterns that limit morphological diversity corresponding to well-known biogeography laws and modifying variation. The morphological heterogeneity of introduced populations should be considered taking into account the latest history of formation of prapopulations.
TL;DR: For the first time, the parasitic copepods Lernaea elegans are registered in the fish of the Mongolian part of the Selenga River basin and the probable donor of the alien species of L. elegans is the Amur carp, which self-spread to Mongolia from the Russian part of this River basin.
Abstract: For the first time, the parasitic copepods Lernaea elegans are registered in the fish of the Mongolian part of the Selenga River basin. They are detected at the cyclopoid-copepodid and adult stages of development. The main hosts of copepods are Cyprinus carpio haematopterus, Esox lucius, Leuciscus leuciscus, and Perca fluviatilis. The highest levels of infection with L. elegans are marked in these fish in the lower reach of the Orkhon River. The probable donor of the alien species of L. elegans is the Amur carp, which self-spread to Mongolia from the Russian part of the Selenga River.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied five Belarusian lakes in order to compare the water quality between lakes inhabited by and devoid of D. polymorpha, as well as reveal the reasons for the observed differences.
Abstract: Dreissena polymorpha is one of the bivalve species having a great impact on the environment, composition, and structure of aquatic communities, thereby acting as an efficient driver of changes in the ecological state of water bodies. We studied five Belarusian lakes in order to compare the water quality between lakes inhabited by and devoid of D. polymorpha, as well as to reveal the reasons for the observed differences. Lake Obsterno with a natural thermal regime and cooling reservoir Lake Lukolmskoe were invaded by this mollusk. Lakes Gorushka and Nobisto with a natural thermal regime, as well as cooling reservoir Lake Beloe, were devoid of D. polymorpha. The water quality classes were determined using the indices based on the physical and chemical parameters and characteristics of phytoplankton and Cladocera communities in line with the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive and the saprobity index calculated by the Pantle–Buck method in Sladechek’s modification. It is commonly accepted that transparency is a good indicator of the ecological state of lakes. According to the data on transparency, Obsterno and Lukolmskoe lakes have the highest ecological status. However, the estimates obtained with the help of biotic indices did not differ as significantly as transparency in these lakes. The calculations demonstrate that the discrepancies in transparency of lakes inhabited by and devoid of D. polymorpha were not in accordance with those found with the saprobity index (mismatch above 70%) and other biotic indices (above 50%). This allows us to conclude that introduction of D. polymorpha does not improve the ecological water quality through changes in the planktonic communities, regardless of higher transparency values and reduction of the phytoplankton biomass.
TL;DR: The Aksu River is one of the main rivers of Zhetysu (Seven Rivers) and flows into Lake Balkhash and the Chinese false gudgeon Abbottina rivularis and the Siberian dace Leuciscus baicalensis have appeared in it, and the former has reached a substantial abundance.
Abstract: The Aksu River is one of the main rivers of Zhetysu (Seven Rivers) and flows into Lake Balkhash. The current ichthyofauna of the Aksu River is represented by seven indigenous and eleven alien species. The largest number of alien fish species are noted on a large part of the piedmont and estuary river sections. The structure and species composition of river fish populations have changed over the last 20 years. The Chinese false gudgeon Abbottina rivularis and the Siberian dace Leuciscus baicalensis have appeared in it, and the former has reached a substantial abundance. The species structure of fish populations in the piedmont part is extremely unstable and depends on its hydrological regime.
TL;DR: The paper summarizes the data on distribution of new fish species along the main waterways in the water bodies of Vologda oblast and the role of the Volga-Baltic waterway and North Dvina water system for invasion of fish in the basins of the Caspian, White, and Baltic seas is assessed.
Abstract: The paper summarizes the data on distribution of new fish species along the main waterways in the water bodies of Vologda oblast. The role of the Volga-Baltic waterway and North Dvina water system for invasion of fish in the basins of the Caspian, White, and Baltic seas is assessed. The data on the spreading of fish along the waterways within the catchment areas of the three seas, as well as through the borders between these areas, are analyzed.
TL;DR: Extremely low feeding intensity was registered for the juveniles of Atlantic salmon inhabiting the Keret River and infected with the invasive monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris and about one-third of the infected fingerlings had empty guts, which was never observed for the youngsters of the wild populations of Atlantic Salmon during the summer growth period in the rivers of Karelia and the Kola Peninsula.
Abstract: Extremely low feeding intensity was registered for the juveniles of Atlantic salmon inhabiting the Keret River (the White Sea basin) and infected with the invasive monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris. This was due to the asthenia observed during the summer period. The infected fingerlings and parrs were characterized by single specimens of the bottom invertebrates in their guts (larvae of caddis flies, nymphs of stoneflies and mayflies, and mollusks). The stomach filling index in these specimens was five to seven times lower comparing to the healthy individuals inhabiting the Ponoi and Kachkovka rivers (Kola Peninsula). About one-third of the infected fingerlings had empty guts, which was never observed for the juveniles of the wild populations of Atlantic salmon during the summer growth period in the rivers of Karelia and the Kola Peninsula.
TL;DR: The distribution and abundance of nonnative fish in the reservoirs of northwestern part of the Azov Sea basin depends on the scale of fishing industry activities, the degree of transformation of hydroecosystems, and the water release into the rivers from irrigation canals.
Abstract: There are nine alien species in the region of the study. The distribution and abundance of nonnative fish in the reservoirs of northwestern part of the Azov Sea basin depends on the scale of fishing industry activities, the degree of transformation of hydroecosystems, and the water release into the rivers from irrigation canals. There are three groups of species registered according to the number indices in the water areas of the basin. The first is the species the findings of which are rare in the region; the second group comprises fish the number of which depends on fishing industry activities; and the third one embraces the species that are high in the number and their self-reproducing populations exist.