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Purpose. Based on authors’ materials, to develop an original method of collecting and processing information to determine the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of recreational fishing in water bodies of Ukraine. Methodology. The work is based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of ichthyological material obtained from anglers’ catches in the Kakhovka, Dnipro (Zaporizhzhia), Kamianske, Pechenezhsky reservoirs and their tributaries in different seasons of 2003–2022. Data collection and processing were carried out according to generally accepted methods. The statistical material was processed using MS Excel. Findings. Based on the analysis of modern recreational fishing as a factor affecting the structural and functional characteristics of ichthyofauna, the main trends of studies for the development of measures for the regulation of this type of nature use have been determined. Methodological recommendations have been prepared for the collection of factual data on the parameters of recreational fishing in water bodies of Ukraine. An approach to determining the parameters characterizing the visitation of the reservoir by recreational fishermen, species composition and quantitative characteristics of catches has been proposed. Typical forms of information collection have been proposed. Originality. For the first time for Ukraine, an original method of collecting and processing information for the assessment of qualitative and quantitative parameters of recreational fishing has been developed. Practical value. The proposed methodological approaches will be used to record the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of recreational fishing in water bodies of Ukraine both by scientists and by bodies implementing the state policy in the field of protection and exploitation of aquatic biological resources.

Purpose. Determination of the main fishing gears used by recreational fishermen on the Kakhovka Reservoir and their place in the general system of fishing gears according to their functional and structural features. Methodology. The work is based on the materials obtained during 2003-2022 on the Kakhovka Reservoir. Collection and processing of information was carried out on the basis of unified and adapted existing methods of research of recreational fishing by direct creel survey, survey of recreational fishing, interviewing recreational fishermen at the place of fishing and observation. Analysis of ichthyological material was carried out according to generally accepted basic methods. Statistical data processing was carried out in MS Excel. Findings. The most popular fishing gears used by recreational fishermen on the Kakhovka Reservoir were identified: summer float rods, bottom rods, winter fishing rods and spinning rods. Their place in the general system of fishing gears as well as functional and structural components were defined. Peculiarities of the use of fishing rods of various types and the species composition of catches were given, an assessment of compliance with the requirements of the current Fishing Rules regarding equipment and fishing methods was provided. Originality. The study is a first assessment of recreational fishing gears and methods as well as the peculiarities of their use on the Kakhovka Reservoir. Practical value. Based on the systematization of current information on the classification and design features of gears used by recreational fishermen, unified approaches for their definition in scientific research and legislation were proposed.

Purpose: To determine species and weight composition of anglers’ catches and their part in the total fish catch on the Kakhovka reservoir. Methodology. The work is based on the ichthyological material obtained from the catches of anglers and commercial gill nets with mesh size of 36-120 mm during 2011-2013 in the upper and middle parts of the Kakhovka reservoir. Data collection and processing were carried out according to conventional methods. In total, during the study period, 7775 fish from 455 day anglers’ catches as well as 18165 fish from commercial catches for 6435 net-days have been analyzed. Statistical processing of the obtained data was performed in MS Excel. Findings. Twenty seven fish species (64% of reservoir fish fauna) belonging to 7 families were observed in anglers’ catches (excluding fish caught by spearing) on the Kakhovka reservoir. The estimated catch per one finished fishing trip in the study zone of the Kakhovka reservoir was 27.7 fish or 2.4 kg. Species diversity and amounts of anglers’ day catches varied depending on the fishing techniques used (from the boat or shore) and fishing season (ice fishing or open water). Averaged day catch on the Kakhovka reservoir was within the range set by valid Fishing regulations excluding fishing from the boat, where some insignificant excess was observed (3 kg), however, 20.4% among the analyzed catches exceeded the daily allowable catch. The total anglers’ catch on the Kakhovka reservoir was 747 tons (3.5 kg/ha) or 33% of the commercial one. Commercial and recreational fishing on the Kakhovka reservoir are based on the same the most abundant fish species: gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio), roach (Rutilus rutilus), bream (Abramis brama), pikeperch (Sander lucioperca). However, a significant part in anglers’ catches consists of species, which are exploited by commercial fishing in lower degree or are not exploited at all, including coarse and low value fish. This fact confirms the amelioration role of recreational fishing, which has been mentioned by researches for other water bodies. Originality. For the first time in modern time, an assessment of qualitative and quantitative parameters of anglers’ catches on the Kakhovka reservoir has been provided. Practical values. For the first time, fish yield of the Kakhovka reservoir has been determined taking into account anglers’ catch. The paper contains propositions on the accounting for anglers’ catches in the assessment of limits and allowable harvest amounts of aquatic living resources.

Purpose. To substantiate theoretically the optimum safety factors of fishing materials used for the construction of fishing gears that allow reducing the material consumption of these gears and keep them for a long time operation. To select the optimum color of polyamide materials with the lowest loss of strength. Methods. The choice of the materials for the tests was based on the selection of the materials, which are most often used for active and passive fishing gears. Acid dyes were used to dye the materials. Dying was carried out in accordance with the technological instructions. The experiments were conducted at the Department of "Industrial Fishery" of the Kerch Sea Institute. The obtained results of all tests were processed using statistical method of random variables according to Sturges method. Findings. The dying reduces the initial strength of the material by 10% and increases its service life. A relationship was established between the loss of nylon material strength and color as well as insolation time. The lowest loss of strength was observed in materials dyed in brown color. We developed the equations of relationships allowing adjusting the norms of the rate of the wearing of fishing gears. The safety factor of 4.62 was obtained experimentally and this value ensures the uninterrupted usability of a fishing gear during the exploitation period. Originality. Based on the system integrated experimental and theoretical studies of the loss of strength of thread and netting materials, for the first time we developed the mathematical relationship for the loss of strength of kapron fishing materials depending on the time of insolation that allows predicting the degree of their wearing during the exploitation of various types of fishing gears. Practical value. The obtained equations of the relationship between the loss of strength of fish netting materials and the time of exposure to sunlight are used in the calculation of wearing rates for beach seines, hoop nets, and fish net cages. The use of the recommended materials with the estimated safety factor will allow increasing the service life of fishing gears.

Purpose: To determine the size composition of anglers’ catches in major fishing gears in the Kakhovka reservoir. Methodology: The work is based on ichthyological material obtained from anglers’ catches and commercial catches in gill nets with mesh size 36–120 mm during 2011–2013 in the upper and middle parts of the Kakhovka reservoir. Data collection and processing have been carried out based on generally accepted methods. In total, 7775 fish from 455 day anglers’ catches as well as 18165 fish from commercial catches for 6435 net-days have been analyzed during the study period. Statistical data processing was carried out in MS Excel. Findings: In the Kahovka reservoir, 76.96% in the anglers’ catches is by-catch of juvenile fish and this exceeds the respective value in commercial fisheries (5.97%). Catches from boats are characterized by the largest mean size of fish – 19.27 cm as well as the maximum body length – 74 cm, however, the by-catch of juvenile fish is the highest among the examined angling techniques – 77.26%. The largest amounts of juvenile fish are caught during winter period. Among popular hook and line gears, leger rigs catch the lowest percentage of juvenile by-catch (58.61%) compared to float fishing (96.79%). The degree of the relationship between the fish caught and hook size is small and characterized by a correlation coefficient from 0.33 (for summer fishing) to 0.56 (for ice fishing). Originality: A complex assessment of size characteristics of major targets of recreational fishing with the most common techniques and fishing gears has been carried out for the first time for a Ukrainian water body. Practical value: It was found that the anglers’ catches consist mainly of fish, which did not reach the minimum legal sizes set by Fishing rules and allowed for angling. Measures for conservation of fish juveniles when practicing recreational fishing have been proposed.