Appendix 2 workshop 1

Methodology for the Mnemiopsis monitoring in the Caspian Sea

Ahmet E. Kideys & Tamara Shiganova*
Institute of Marine Sciences, Erdemli, Turkey
*Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Moscow, Russia

Abstract

During the conference devoted to Mnemiopsis, invader of Caspian Sea, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, 24 - 26 April 2000, the working group has suggested producing a document for "Methods for monitoring Mnemiopsis and other gelatinous macroplankton in the Caspian Sea" for the assessment of their impact on the Caspian ecosystem. In this document three types of sampling were suggested to be deployed; these being the basin-wide sampling, coastal sampling and national monitoring by volunteers. The document includes detailed sampling and processing methods.

In order to evaluate the invading ctenophore Mnemiopsis levels and its impact on the coastal ecosystem, two separate monitoring programs have already been established in Azerbaijan and Iran coastal waters of Caspian Sea by using the methodology described in CEP document.