Water and biological resources of the Lower Don Basin: state and management challenges
2009
Volovik, G.S. | Volovik, S.P. | Kosolapov, A.E.
The basin of the river Don is located in a subhumited zone. In the region population density is high, rural economy and industry are developed. Water resources of the basin Don and its tributaries are utilized by many industries and communal facilities. At the same time water resources of the river Don influence considerably on the regime, productivity and fish reserves of Azov Sea. More than 50 years have passed after the river Don was regulated by the Tsimlyansk Dam and now a significant degradation of fish reserves (migratory fish: Huso huso, Acipenser, A. stellatus, A. ruthenus and semi-migratory ones: Stizostedion lucioperca, Abramis brama, Rutilus rutilus, Cyprinus carpio) is observed. Water resources of the basin are intensively used and its water disbalance is high, that makes problems for the all water users in the Lower Don. The Tsimlaynsk Reservoir has yet a high fish productivity potential, but this water reservoir transfers quickly into a pond that results in worse fish quality and less fish yields. Seventeen fish breeding farms are present through the Azov Basin, but the amount of marketable fingerlings and young fishes produced by them is not enough. A part of spawning areas of phytophilous fish has been lost as a result of non-optimal regulating of the Tsimlyansk Reservoir level. It is recommended to return a usage regime, which can supply annual drawdown al a level of 2.5-3 m between the maximum height mark and the one in the end of September-the beginning of October. This will restore meadow phytocoenosis on potential spawining grounds and will increase a percentage of phytophilous fish in the composition of ichthyofauna. Fish reserves of the Manychsk Reservior are not considered to have a market importance. In the nearest years requests for water resources, including the ecosystem of the Azov Sea, of the all water users can be satisfied
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