THE FIRST STAGE IN THE SETTLEMENT OF SHIPWORMS IN THE SEA OF AZOV (Pervyi Etap Zaseleniya Azovskogo Morya Korabelnym Chervem)

Abstract : The building of the Tsimlyanskiy Water Basin and the regulation of the Don and Kuban' discharges into the Sea of Azov by using the water for irrigation of farm lands are causing an increase in the salinity of the Sea of Azov, since 1952 from 10 and 11%. to 12%. and more. As a consequence, the shipworms such as teredos and limnorians, are gradually migrating from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov via Kerchenskiy proliv (K. Strait). Examination of wooden vessels, piles of wharves and poles of stake nets disclose the critical localities in the Sea of Azov that are being infested by the pests, especially by the most destructive shipworm found in the seas of the Soviet Union--Teredo navalis L. The salinity and temperature conditions, including their stability and variations by months, seasons, and years are also discussed in order to determine the factors that affect the migration of wood borers into the Sea of Azov and to point out the damage committed by them. (Author)