State of Black Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758) Inhabited Coastal Area of Sevastopol Region (Black Sea) in 1998-2008

Data about scorpion fish population state during 1998-2008 were presented. It was determined that age composition of Scorpaena porcus from 1998 to 2008 has been widened. The amount of females and males of different age groups in last years (2007-2008) was optimal, but from 1998 to 2005 females, especially older specimens, dominated. Condition factor increased. However, scorpion fish bodies smaller growth and weight decrease were noticed, that demonstrates negative influence of complex of factors. Such effects may be some result of changing environmental conditions in the study area such as pollution and temperature rise.

State of Black Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus Linnaeus, 1758) Inhabited Coastal Area of Sevastopol Region (Black Sea) in 1998-2008

Data about scorpion fish population state during 1998-2008 were presented. It was determined that age composition of Scorpaena porcus from 1998 to 2008 has been widened. The amount of females and males of different age groups in last years (2007-2008) was optimal, but from 1998 to 2005 females, especially older specimens, dominated. Condition factor increased. However, scorpion fish bodies smaller growth and weight decrease were noticed, that demonstrates negative influence of complex of factors. Such effects may be some result of changing environmental conditions in the study area such as pollution and temperature rise.