Assessment of the stocks and forecast of the catches of bream (Abramis brama Linnaeus, 1758), common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758), roach (Rutilus rutilus Linnaeus, 1758), Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio Bloch, 1782) and pikeperch (Sander lucioperca Linnaeus, 1758) in the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) Reservoir for 2025
Authors:   Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro, Marenkov O. , Nesterenko O. ,   Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro, Borovyk I. ,   SEC «Aquarium»  of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro, Shmahailo M. ,   Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro, Hamolin A. ,   Oles Honchar Dnipro National University, Dnipro
Published: December 2024

Purpose. To analyze and summarize the biological parameters of the main commercial species of aquatic bioresources using the example of bream, common carp, roach, Prussian carp and pikeperch of the Zaporizhzhia (Dnipro) Reservoir under conditions of fishery exploitation.

Methodology. The study was conducted on multiple-age individuals of of bream, common carp, roach, Prussian carp and pikeperch. Biological analysis of fish was carried out according to classical methods in ichthyology using the following parameters: standard body length, individual weight, sex and condition factor. Biological sampling was carried out during the 2024 growing season during test and commercial fishing in the Zaporizhzhia reservoir in three areas that differed in hydrology and degree of human impact.

Findings. Current data on linear-weight parameters of commercial fish species using the example of bream, common carp, roach, Prussian carp, and pikeperch, the age and sex structure of their populations, and fish productivity for the Zaporizhzhia Reservoir have been presented. Scientific and biological justifications, recommendations, and regimes for commercial and bio-reclamation fishing and fish stocking have been developed

Originality of the study lies in the comprehensive analysis of biological parameters and the state of commercial fish species of the Zaporizhzhia Reservoir, as well as the development of scientifically based catch limits for 2025. For the first time, modern trends in commercial fishing under martial law conditions have been considered for the reservoir. The study showed changes in the structure of populations and fish productivity of the reservoir, which allowed us to offer recommendations for the rational use of aquatic biological resources and ensuring the stability of the exploitation of ichthyofauna.

Practical Value. The Zaporizhzhia Reservoir has the potential for the development of fishing, fish farming and aquaculture in the Prydniprovskyi region. The results of the study showed that it is possible to set limits on the catch of the studied fish species: bream – 250 tons, common carp - 120 tons, roach - 400 tons, Prussian carp - 1500 tons, pikeperch - 50 tons. Based on the conducted study, recommendations were provided on establishing forecasts of catch and limits for the harvest of aquatic biological resources from the Zaporizhzhia Reservoir for 2025.
Keywords: aquatic bioresources, ichthyofauna, fish, water bodies, reservoirs, commercial catch, limits, stocks, forecast of catch.