The impact of selected Baltic ports on adjacent fish fauna: revealed effects and uncertainties

The paper provides an insight on possible impacts and problems connected with the estimation of the effect of big harbours on adjacent fish fauna. The data has been collected annually in the impact and reference areas of the three largest deep-water ports of Estonia, the eastern Baltic Sea: Muuga Port (1994-2008), Paldiski Southern Port and Paldiski Northern Port (both in 2002-2008). We assessed the species composition and abundance of different macroalgal, benthic invertebrate and fish species as well the spawning condition and food consumption of several key fish species. The results showed that the impact of harbour activities on local fish communities and on year-class abundance remain largely uncertain due to the masking effects of ecosystem changes. Nevertheless, the vanishing of spawning grounds of herring and changes in trophic interactions due to the introduction of alien species can be highlighted as the major potential effects. Recently, the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, an aggressive bottom dwelling invasive species, were found in Muuga Bay. This introduction is discussed in the context of the discharge of the ballast water.

JAERV L.;  KOTTA J.;  DREVS T;  JAANUS A.;  RAID Tiit;  JAERVIK A.; 

2009-10-27

ITU Faculty of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Istanbul

JRC55046