The salinity of the Azov Sea has reached a historical maximum in 150 years

The salinity of the Sea of ​​Azov has reached a historical maximum over 150 years of observation and has led to the emergence of new species of fish and organisms. RIA Novosti reported this at the Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

According to scientists, sea salinity began to rise in 2007 and has now reached 16 ppm. Due to changing conditions, the ecosystem of the Azov Sea began to move from a salty sea to a typical sea - the Black Sea.

Black Sea species have taken root in most of the water area, including flounder, dogfish and gobies. Invaded species from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans also spread into the sea: sawfish, silver crucian carp, sunfish and eastern shrimp.

In addition, cornerot jellyfish and long-eared aurelia actively penetrate from the Black Sea into the Sea of ​​Azov. Scientists note that high salinity, warming water in summer and plenty of food created favorable conditions for them. Jellyfish become food competitors for fish, including native species, as well as other invasive organisms, ctenophores.