Increasing the fish productivity of the Don river and rational use of water resources

Abstract

The article presents the signs of degradation of the river and fish stocks of the Don River on the example of the Kochetovsky hydroelectric complex and the consequences of irrational use of water resources on the work of reclamation systems of the Rostov region. The objective of this study of signs of degradation of the Don River is to focus attention on the growing problem of reducing water resources in the South of Russia.

Introduction. Global climate change is currently beyond doubt and is an objective reality. On climate change and its consequences, it is necessary to take actions to assess risks and take measures in advance to reduce or prevent negative consequences. The signs of degradation of the river and fish stocks of the Don River are given on the example of the Kochetovsky hydroelectric complex and the consequences of irrational use of water resources on the work of reclamation systems of the Rostov region. The objective of this study of signs of degradation of the Don River is to focus attention on the growing problem of reducing water resources in the South of Russia.

Materials and methods. In the course of the work, a comparative analysis of water levels and flows of the Don River in the lower reaches of the Kochetovsky hydroelectric complex over the past 50 years was carried out. Data from hydrological yearbooks on water levels in the Don River and on expenditures indicate significant changes in indicators for the worse.

Results and conclusions. Proposals are formulated on the need to control such areas for the protection of water bodies as ensuring the reduction of anthropogenic load on water bodies, recommendations are given on the unhindered passage of all fish species to spawning sites and practical provision of rational use of water resources of the Tsimlyansk reservoir.