FORMATION OF FISH STOCKS AND PROSPECTS OF FISHERY DEVELOPMENT IN THE VARNAVINSKY RESERVOIR
Data on current composition of the ichthyofauna in the Varnavinsky Reservoir and its hydrochemical regime are provided. The structure of commercial fish stocks has been assessed. Formation of the ichthyofauna in the reservoir has been completed. Initially, the fishing community was formed from river aboriginal fish that were unable to create significant commercial stocks. The assessment of the state of the food resources in the reservoir is given. Research in the Varnavinsky Reservoir has been carried out in the spring-autumn period since 2008. Hydrobiological, ichthyological, and hydrochemical samples were collected at four stations. The main trend of the reservoir utilization for fisheries or aquaculture purposes is defined. The increase in the commercial stocks can be achieved through the measures targeted at the formation of its ichthyofauna and by means of rational management of the ecosystem in the Varnavinsky Reservoir. The optimal volumes of the annual stocking of this water body with juveniles of silver carp are suggested. The introduction of the Far Eastern fish species will provide more efficient use of food resources of the reservoir and will further ensure the growth of ichthyomass during the growing season. Stocking the reservoir with the Far Eastern fish species will not only lead to a change in the fishing structure of the ichthyofauna, but will also significantly increase the fishing productivity.