DYNAMICS OF LONG-TERM CHANGES OF ROUND GOBY POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS ( NEOGOBIUS MELANOSTOMUS PALLAS) OF THE BLACK AND AZOV SEAS

Abstract

Population characteristics of round goby Neogobius melanostomus from the Black Sea and Azov Seas at the period of 2003 and 2009-2012 years were studied. Decrease of linear and weight growth, as well as changes of morphological and physiological parameters of the animals from both water bodies in the modern period compared to the early 2000s was observed. The probable causes of the annual changes are discussed.