Growth, size-age structure of catches and reproduction of the Volga zander Sander volgensis (Percidae) in the upper part of the Volga stretch of the Kuibyshev Reservoir

Abstract

Conditions of reproduction, size-age structure of catches, and the growth of the Volga zander Sunder volgensis in the upper part of the Volga stretch of the Kuibyshev Reservoir from 2002 to 2007, as well as its fishery in this water body, are considered. A decrease in catches of the proportion of large elder age groups of the Volga zander in the period of destabilization of the reservoir ecosystem, as compared to the phase of its relative stabilization from the 1970s to the 1980s, and a decrease in the commercial catch were established. Besides, retardation of its growth in connection with the deterioration of the ecological situation is observed, but the average level of reproduction is retained, which at the organization of rational fishery can lead to the restoration of the Volga zander stock. © 2010 Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.