The second stage of research in the Molochny estuary of the Zaporizhzhya region is being carried out by scientists from the Azov-Black Sea branch of VNIRO

 

The Molochny Estuary is one of the bays of the Azov Sea, located in the Zaporizhia region. Currently, it belongs to the category of semi-enclosed water bodies, separated from the sea by a sand and shell spit. However, the estuary periodically connects to the sea through natural or artificial channels, which largely determines its ecological state.

 

This reservoir is of great importance for fisheries, since it is one of the main spawning grounds for the Far Eastern mullet - mullet, which was acclimatized in the Azov Sea and became one of the main objects of fishing.

 

In July 2024, employees of the Azov-Black Sea branch conducted the first stage of a comprehensive study of the habitat of aquatic biological resources in the adjacent water area and mouth of the Molochny Estuary. They assessed the chemical, hydrobiological and hydrological state of the reservoir. The monitoring results showed unfavorable conditions for the life of aquatic bioresources: shallow depths (up to 30-40 cm), elevated water temperatures (26.4-27.8 °C) and the formation of fish kills. These factors were due to the deterioration of the hydrological connection of the Molochny Estuary with the Azov Sea.

 

The result of these comprehensive studies were scientific recommendations for carrying out reclamation work to clear the mouth of the Molochny Estuary.

 

During the second stage of research on the Molochny Estuary, after the reclamation work was carried out, the Branch specialists noted the migration of young mullet from the Molochny Estuary to the Azov Sea.

 

Restoration of free passage of producers of the Azov population of mullet to effective natural spawning grounds in the Molochny Estuary is extremely important for the stable replenishment of the commercial population with new generations.

 

Press service of VNIRO