Influence of Sea Surface Temperature Changes on the Development of Sprat (Sprattus sprattus phalericus (Risso)) (Pisces: Clupeidae) Living on the Southwestern Shelf of Crimea.

A study of changes in sea surface temperature (SST) on the southwestern shelf of Crimea in 2000–2020 has been conducted. The equations of trends in the change in SST are found. It is shown that, according to the nature of changes in the average annual sea temperature, three periods can be distinguished: 2000–2007, 2008–2013, and 2014–2020. The influence of changes in the average annual SST on the development of pelagic fish of the cold-water complex (using the example of the Black Sea sprat) is considered. Changes in the main parameters of populations and their relationship with the change in the average annual SST are found. It is found that the observed increase in sea temperature negatively affected the development of the sprat population; the average age of the population has decreased by 1.3 times. In general, the population has been rejuvenated, and the average size and weight of individuals has decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]