Structure of poaching sturgeon species in the Irtysh River in 2013-2020 (according to ichthyologic examinations)

The study was carried out on the basis of the analysis of poaching sturgeon species in the lower reaches of the Irtysh River (the Tyumen region and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug), according to the results of forensic ichthyologic examinations over the period from 2013 to 2020. The size and weight ratio of Siberian sturgeon and sterlet in catches, the average weight of one fish species, the number of examinations performed, as well as the dynamics of these indicators for the considered time period were evaluated. As a result of the analysis performed, there has been seen an upward trend in the number of expert examinations (from 10 in 2013 to 25 in 2020). Among sturgeon species sterlet dominates in size, with the exception the period of 2017-2018. There has been stated the dynamics of increasing mass of Siberian sturgeon and, accordingly, a decrease for sterlet, with the average share of sturgeon to be less 50%. The average mass of a Siberian sturgeon species has increased from 0.8 to 1.2 kg, as well as a positive trend for the above period is noted when analyzing the total mass of sturgeon species during yearly examinations. Body mass of poached sterlet species hasn’t increased over the 8-year period, and its average value made 0.11–0.13 kg. Over the investigated period the number of forensic ichthyologic examinations has increased, the average mass growth dynamics in a Siberian sturgeon species has been stated, with predominating of immature species in both of sterlet and Siberian sturgeon catches.

An experience of obtaining mature eggs of the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii (Brandt, 1869)) in non-traditional period

Purpose. To investigate the peculiarities of obtaining ovulated eggs of the Siberian sturgeon in hatchery conditions in non-traditional (winter) period and determine major features of brood fish used for the experiments. Methodology. The material for the study were age-10+ Siberian sturgeon females with body weights of 6.20-8.24 kg grown in conditions of floating cages in a water body with natural temperature regime of the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine. The experiments were conducted with a regulated water temperature regime in the third decade of January with the use of natural gonadotropic drugs for the stimulation of egg maturation in fish. Brood fish were prepared for the experiment in the recirculating aquaculture system. Measurement of fisheries parameters and study of physicochemical factors of the aquatic medium were performed according to generally accepted methods. Experiment results were assessed statistically using standard software. Findings. With water temperature of 14-15оС, depending on the dosage of the gonadotropic drug, different efficiencies of gonad maturation in experimental groups of fish were detected. More than 85% of females matured after dosing of gonadotropic drugs 3.5 and 4.5 mg / kg. In the version with a minimum dose of gonadotropic substance 2.5 mg / kg responded positively to hormonal stimulation 57% of females. The average weight of eggs obtained in some groups of brood fish was 819.5-1079.0 g. Average working fecundity and relative working fecundity in experimental groups of the Siberian sturgeon females varied within 47.95-52.64 thousand eggs and 6.93-7.17 thousand eggs/kg of fish body weight, respectively. The duration of maturation after the second (resolving) administration of the gonadotropic drug until the moment of the occurrence of the ovulation process varied mainly within 15-20 hours. Originality. The peculiarities of obtaining mature eggs of the Siberian sturgeon with the use of methods of industrial reproduction of sturgeons, which are new for the aquaculture of Ukraine, were studied. Practical value. The study results are of interest for the development of modern methods of sturgeon aquaculture in conditions of fish farms of industrial type. Key words: brood Siberian sturgeon, industrial aquaculture, non-traditional technologies, eggs, ovulation, fisheries parameters.

The Effect of Different Feeding Applications on the Swimming Behaviour of Siberian Sturgeon: A Method for Improving Restocking Programmes

Restocking programmes of different fish species have been implemented worldwide. However, the survival of hatchery-reared fish after release to riverine ecosystems is at a very low level. One of the reasons for the high mortality rate of post-released fish is their modified swimming behaviour due to the hatchery rearing practice. To investigate one of the possible causes for modified swimming behaviour, Acipenser baerii larvae were exposed to surface- and bottom-feeding applications with day and night light regimes in a factorial design. We also analysed the effect of 5 and 10 days of starvation after different feeding applications on sturgeon swimming behaviour. The surface-feeding application was previously expected to promote the frequent Siberian sturgeon swim up to the mid- and top-water layers in our rearing facilities. However, our results indicated that the modified behaviour of the Siberian sturgeon in our study was caused by fish starvation and a possible predator-free environment rather than by the method of feed application or the day/night light regimes. These results may be used to improve the implementation of restocking programmes either through modified hatchery rearing practice or the training of foraging skills with predator stimuli.

Sturgeon breeding as the basis for forming a food base in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation

The article provides an analysis of sturgeon breeding, as well as materials for assessing the reproductive indicators of the Siberian sturgeon breeding stock in the conditions of the Arctic zone. The experience gained as a result of the multi-year research allows us to consider sturgeons, in particular the Siberian sturgeon, to have great potential for use in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The cultivation of this species in the Northern regions may have great prospects for the formation of a food base, since it has high fish-biological, physiological and reproductive indicators when using various aquaculture technologies. The best productive indicators were obtained when sturgeon was reared in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), however, the experience of using the cage method showed a good physiological state of the fish. All the studied methods can be applied for the development of aquaculture in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The cage method can be recommended for reproduction purposes, while using RAS can be recommended for fish rearing for sale.