russian version

Check list of the Caspian Species

The Caspian is inhabited by numerous species of different systematic groups. From scientific point of view every species is characterized by certain genetic value and their loss is sure to result in pauperization of environment. At the same time under natural conditions of evolution extinction of some species and appearance of others takes place on an ongoing basis. Evolution, in first turn, influences Protozoa: bacterioplankton and phytoplankton. Man is actually capable of changing such influence on the anthropogenic factor, though unable of influencing natural course of evolution. At the same time Protozoa could serve a primary link of food chain and their practical value lies in this fact.

Man’s impact on higher organisms significantly regulates their number through intensive fishing, hunting and violation of habitats status. Therefore, there exists a possibility to significantly influence their number.

From practical point of view, the lists of species should be compiled using two options. The first option is scientifically-backed and is inclusive of the list of all species inhabiting water area of the Caspian and coastal area with their names in Latin, English and Russian, year and author of description, origin, status, habitat region, number or frequency of occurrence, etc. The purpose of the option is to form a certain impression on species diversity and its changeability.

The second option is of more practical nature. It’s aimed at concentration of the whole of information required for decision-making process on practical issues associated with rational use of bioresources of the Caspian and its coastal area, activities in the region posing a threat to biodiversity. It should contain species of actual or potential practical value for man, species being their main nutrition objects as well as endangered species with their habitats, status, value, state of stock, including reasons for their decline, direct threats to their number, possible actions aimed at their preservation.

Of the most practical value is fish. The Caspian based on Kazancheyev (1981) is inhabited by 124 species of fish out of which number 40 are of commercial value. These data refer to 1960s. At the moment we do not possess any specific figures on the number of fish in the Caspian. Purely scientific arguments are held on whether a certain species is in fact a separate species or a sub-species and whether genetically different races differ, etc. Surveys held earlier were focused on commercial species leaving out majority of non-commercial ones, specially rare species. At the same time majority of non-commercial species are nutrition objects for predator fish and seals. Information on their actual number is not available. Therefore, there is a need in a new list of Caspian fish with data on systematic status of the species, habitats, number and tendency to variation as well as status in food chain, i.e. nutrition objects of species and predators feeding on them.

Also, there is a lack of full information based on separate regions of the sea. One of the most populated biotopes in the North Caspian is water area adjacent to reed beds. It can be of practical interest for fishery. Based on fragmentary data commercial stocks of Common Carp and some other species of fish not affected by commercial activities are valid in kultuks. At the same time this zone have not been enough studied due to difficulty of access to it.

At present a group of specialists headed by Chaykin B. N. has been formed to compile the list of species. Experts from every area are presented in the group. Activities are implemented on the basis of information used in National Reports on biodiversity. Every list shall include systematic status of the species, its name in Latin, Russian and English, author and year of description, origin, relative number, status of the species, area of distribution, as well as date of the last occurrence for endangered species. Following completion of the lists it’s planned to forward them to all littoral states for approval by local experts. As far as separate species are concerned, there exist different viewpoints with regards to their systematic status. To make the issues more specific consultations will be required for those dealing with systematization.

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