Scientists have studied the condition of female beluga whales that grew up at the Don sturgeon factory from caviar obtained from "wild" producers caught in the first years of our century, and reached puberty in the conditions of a repair-brood herd.
"Beluga – the largest of the sturgeon fish – is listed in the Red Book, its fishing in the Azov basin has been prohibited since 1986, it is allowed to catch only for reproduction. Considering that beluga now almost does not reproduce in natural conditions, the way to maintain its population is artificial breeding in fish hatcheries and the release of juveniles. Therefore, the beluga females of the unique repair and breeding stock formed at the Don sturgeon plant are of great value and of increased interest to specialists, - says the head of the aquaculture center Victoria Khorosheltseva.
The scientists of the aquaculture Center selected biopsy samples of gonads and carried out their laboratory processing to determine the stages of maturity. These studies allow us to form a plan for the priority of using beluga females in the spawning campaign of the current year. The obtained data and recommendations on the materials of the autumn bonitation were transferred by the scientists of the fisheries science to the Don sturgeon Plant for use in the work.
The participation of scientists of the Azov-Black Sea branch of VNIRO in the process of certification at fish hatcheries is an important link in scientific support of fish farming, contributes to the increase in the efficiency of artificial reproduction in order to replenish stocks of aquatic biological resources.
VNIRO Press Service