Changes of salinity and species composition of ichthyofauna in the Azov Sea

The impact of salinity changes on the composition of the Azov Sea ichthyofauna is considered. To date, not only the quantitative, but also the qualitative composition of ichthyofauna and commercial catches has changed, the base on which began to dominate by the Black and Caspian Sea sprat Clupeonella cultriventris, European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus, gobies Gobiidae, as well as the alien species so-iuy mullet Planiliza haematocheila and Prussian carp Carassius gibelio. In the eastern part of the Taganrog Bay, golden grey mullet Chelon aurata, flathead grey mullet Mugil cephalus and Black Sea brill Scophthalmus maeoticus were registered for the first time. The number of aboriginal semi-anadromous species has decreased many times due to the deterioration of environmental and spawning conditions. The recommendations for the rationalization of fisheries under the conditions of salinization of the Azov Sea are presented.