THE LEVEL OF HYDROBIONT DEVELOPMENT AS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CONDITIONS OF FISH FATTENING IN THE DNIEPER RESERVOIRS

Purpose. To investigate qualitative and quantitative indicators of the development of phyto-, zooplankton and macrozoobenthos. To assess bioproductional capacity and potential fish productivity of the Dnieper reservoirs at the current stage of development (2011?2013). Methodology. The materials were collected across the entire area of the reservoirs according to standard net-station. Collection and processing of the materials were carried out based on generally accepted hydrobiological methods. Findings. The current state of fish forage resources and productional capacity of Dnieper reservoirs based on the development of phyto-, zooplankton and macrozoobenthos has been investigated. Qualitative and quantitative indicators of the development of phyto-, zooplankton and macrozoobenthos for 2011?2013 have been shown. During the study period, total production varied from 5 to 15 thousand kg/ha that can ensure the potential fish production in the reservoirs of approx. 21?62 kg/ha. It was found that zooplanktonic and macrozoobenthic communities play the predominant role in forming the fish productivity in the reservoirs even with their low level of development. The value of the potential fish productivity in the reservoirs is formed of 14?60% by zooplanktonic communities, 3?23% by soft zoobenthos production, 21?51% by mollusks, and 9?33% by phytoplanktonic communities. Originality. The qualitative and quantitative indicators of the development of phyto-, zooplankton and macrozoobenthos and to assess potential bioproductional capacity of the Dnieper reservoirs at the current stage of development (2011?2013) have been investigated. Practical value. The obtained results offer an opportunity to assess the productional capacity of the Dnieper reservoirs and can be used for the development of scientifically sound background for stocking them with commercially valuable fish species for their rational exploitation that is a priority task of fisheries science.