Aim. We present materials on the history of hydroacoustic research in the Caspian Sea and forecast of catches in case of abolition of the law prohibiting the fishing in the open sea.

Methods. We have carried out three hydroacoustic surveys in accordance with existing procedures. Investigations have been conducted using fish-finding multifunctional sonar panorama video-plotter.

Results. Hydroacoustic researches on the density of accumulations, spatial distribution and stocks of Caspian Sea migrating herring (Dolginskaya herring, Caspian and bigeye shads) were carried out in the period of April - May 2007, in the shallow part of the North Caspian Sea, and for this we have performed two hydroacoustic surveys. In the spring, in different areas of surveyed area size and weight characteristics of marine migratory herrings were fairly stable; the length of Dolginskiy herring caught in control fixed nets in different parts of the area surveyed ranged from 23.6 cm. to 30.0 cm, with an average of 26,7 cm; as for the weight, it fluctuated from 212.3g. to 393g, with an average of 275.0 g. These data indicate that the temperature factor is one of the most important abiotic factors that determine the density of accumulations, places and areas of migratory sea herring in the pre-spawning period.

Conclusion. Using hydroacoustic sonar method in the Caspian Sea for more than 40 years has shown its representativeness and reliability in assessing marine fish stocks. The number of marine migratory herring in the North Caspian Sea is closely linked to the temperature of the water and with the increase in temperature we can observe increase in the number. The biomass of marine migratory herrings in the Northern Caspian Sea varies from 3 to 5 thousand tons, which is a significant reserve for the fishing industry of Kazakhstan and Russia. Under the current economic conditions the hydroacoustic sonar method is to become a major tool for assessment of fish stocks in the North Caspian.

The aim is to consider the features of impact of nanotechnology on biodiversity in the future.

Methods. We suggest an approach, according to which nanotechnologies are viewed as key technologies of the sixth technological order. It is assumed that nanotechnology may be a potential source of environmental problems of the future, and the basis for the creation of new advanced types of environmental engineering and technology. Since all of the above is important both within the actual environmental performance and for the purposes of professional engineering and environmental training. We suggest in this paper to view the problem of the impact of nanotechnology on biodiversity and the state of the environment through environmental and educational aspects.

Results. We considered and analyzed the environmental and educational aspects of the application of nanotechnology in the period of the sixth technological order. Implementing procedures for their analysis has contributed to the identification and systematization of the various impacts of nanotechnology on biodiversity and the state of the environment, and identification of options for the prevention of such factors. Based on the results of such studies we have identified educational aspects of training environmental engineers during the sixth technological order; defined a new focus of the training in the sixth technological order, which involves, in our opinion, the study of features of a rational and prudent use of natural resources with the use of appropriate innovative eco-oriented nanotechnology, education of students in terms of the understanding of the causes, consequences and ways to prevent the global resource crisis on the planet due to the emergence of a new class of nano-contamination.

Main conclusions. The results can be recommended to be used in practice for more in-depth analysis of the specific environmental challenges of nanotechnology, and revising approaches to the design of the content of training of future environmental engineer.

The aim is to carry out a generalized analysis of the history of formation of a new artistic language in contemporary arts and crafts of Dagestan. An innovative search for applied artist has gained further development in a series of works of the leading masters of folk arts and crafts of Dagestan. Discussion. For millennia, arts and crafts of Dagestan have been organically linked with the life of people and their everyday way of life and daily activities, with their worldview and understanding of beauty. In the middle of the 1st millennium BC in the mountainous Dagestan, art of bronze casting has reached a high degree of perfection, most vividly represented by statues of different wild and domestic animals. Images of animals are interpreted generically, without study of small details, but with the characteristic features of the exterior. Paired images of birds are often found in the arts and crafts of the medieval Dagestan. This heraldic composition, two-part or in conjunction with the sacred tree - a three-part, presented in metal-plastic and carved stone and wood, was one of the most popular and enduring decorative items that was common during the Middle Ages and has survived to the present day. This also has been further developed and improved and inherited by craftsmen of Dagestan.

Conclusion. When creating works of arts and crafts craftsmen use diverse traditional arts and engineering techniques, the ancient but substantially revised and reinterpreted iconic scenes and ornamental motifs. In art, folk craftsmen emphasize the unity of man and nature. Most ornamental motifs common in Dagestan, go back to the very specific nature prototypes. Compositional structure, as the artistic analysis shows, is often borrowed from nature. This feeling becomes a condition for cultural and biological development, acting as a factor of co-evolution of man and nature.

Bodilopsis ogloblini (Semenov et Medvedev, 1928) comb.n. (previously included in the subgenera Mendidius and Bodilus of the genus Aphodius) are recorded as new for the fauna of Dagestan, Azerbaijan, the Caucasus and Russia. This species belongs to a subgenus Bodilopsis and is close to widely distributed species: B. sordidus (Fabricius, 1775) and B. rufus (Moll, 1782). B. ogloblini differs from all close species first of all by color of certain parts: dark (from dark-brown to black) antennal club, black head (sometimes clypeal margins a little lighter, darkbrown) and dark-brown abdomen. All species mentioned above have light antennal club (often yellow, sometimes brownish), head light (from yellow to red-brown) or light with dark-brown maculae, abdomen also light (from yellow to reddish, sometimes brownish). Coarse, rugose clypeal sculpture (without distinct punctation) is typical for B. ogloblini. Other species have more or less densely roughly punctured clypeus, never rugose. Besides new species differs from species of the Alocoderus by not framed anterior pronotal margin and by mostly black (sometimes dark-brown) pronotum (in A. hydrochaeris and A. digitalis anterior pronotal margin distinctly framed; pronotum in A. digitalis yellow, in A. hydrochaeris – yellow with brown spot in the middle). B. ogloblini also differs from A. sordidus by shining punctured elytral apices (in B. sordidus elytral apices distinctly shagreened, mat, without punctation). It differs from B. rufus by normal sharp lower spur of middle male tibia (male of A. rufus with modified lower spur of middle tibia, truncated at apex).

Aim. Distribution, habitats and morphological variability of two subspecies of the endemic Caucasian species Blaps scabriuscula Ménétriés, 1832 are considered in the paper.

Results and main conclusions. Nominotypical subspecies is very rare and inhabits deserts of eastern Azerbaijan (Gobustan). The subspecies Blaps scabriuscula subalpina is distributed in the Eastern and the Central Caucasus and inhabits steppe and alpine landscapes to 3000 m. Several morphological forms are separated from the Central (North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, KarachayCherkessia) and the Eastern Caucasus (Chechnya, Dagestan, southern slopes of the Big Caucasus from Azerbaijan to Georgia – Khevsureti). Blaps scabriuscula subalpina is found in Rostov-on-Don (the first record for Rostov Region) in sandy soil meadow during building works. Rostov population is morphologically differs from Caucasian populations of the species. It is assumed that this record is associated with the ancient human migrations because of many representatives of this species-group (B. mortisaga (Linnaeus, 1758), B. puella Allard, 1880, B. scabriuscula, B. kovali Abdurakhmanov, Nabozhenko, 2011) have a propensity to synanthropy. Morphological description of Rostov population and differential characters of Caucasian populations are given. Female genital tubes of different populations of B. scabriuscula are described and figured for the first time. Nominatypical subspecies is strongly differs from other Caucasian Blaps Fabricius, 1775 in the structure of female genital tubes.

Aim. We present the findings of studies of the current state of benthic fauna of the Volga delta channels by the structure of benthic communities. The study has been carried out in the framework of researches by FSBSI "Caspian Fisheries Research Institute" conducted in the period from 2010 to 2014. The main goal was to assess the current state of benthic fauna of output channels of the Volga delta areas against the backdrop of changing water availability of the Volga river.

Methods. We have conducted sample processing of zoobenthos within investigated watercourses of the Volga River according to conventional methods of Zhadin V.I. (1960), Winberg G.G. (1984) and Abakumov V.A. (1992).

Results. The results of the work on the study of the modern state of the benthic fauna of the Volga delta channels show that the species composition of macrozoobenthos in these sections of the river in dry years was characterized by mass development of oligochaetes. With the increase of water content (between the years 2012 and 2013) in all studied water streams there is a change of the dominant group. With the decrease in the annual runoff (in 2014) the qualitative characteristics of zoobenthos have changed. In the average long-term aspect, the distribution pattern of quantitative indicators of benthic invertebrates in the delta of Volga river was uneven, and their greatest density has been marked in the wet year.

Main conclusions. Thus, the research found that increase of the water content of the Volga River positively influences the hydrobiological picture in the output channels of the delta of the Volga River.

The aim is to compare morphofunctional conditions of the ovaries and uteruses of Caspian female seals born between the end of XX and beginning of XXI centuries.

Methods. We have analyzed the reproductive organs of 16 female seals in the periods of October - November of 2011, 2012 and 2014. Biological material has been treated in accordance with conventional techniques in histology. Diagnosis and assessment of pathological changes in the bodies of seals have been carried out by classifications of L.A. Lesnikov and I.D. Chinareva.

Results. We have identified early aging of gonads in sexually mature Caspian female seals due to the development of sclera-cystic ovary syndrome. Besides we have detected the necrosis of epithelial cells in the uterus as well as signs of uterine tissue edema. The myometrium has signs of quite significant bleeding. The nature and degree of morphological and functional disturbances detected in the reproductive organs of the Caspian female seals can be classified as chronic toxic damage.

Conclusions. Earlier studies show the symptoms of endometriosis in the uterus of female pinnipeds born during the late XX century. These same individuals also suffered from sclera-cystic ovary syndrome. The pathological processes correspond to degrees II and III. The nature and extent of (III and IV degrees) morphological and functional disorders found in the ovaries and uterus of Caspian female seals born in XXI century indicate the identity of the pathologic features in the reproductive organs, but modern individuals have a higher degree of irreversible morphological and functional disorders indicating the degradation of the population P. caspica.

The aim of the study is to analyze the area of Macrovipera lebetina (Linnaeus, 1758) in the historical past and in the present using published sources and the results of own researches as well as to give taxonomy of the species. Identify how the formation of species habitat due to the geological history of the formation of the Mediterranean landscapes, their distribution and the impact on neighboring regions. Moreover, to identify how the formation of species habitat is associated with the geological history of the formation of the Mediterranean landscapes, their distribution and the impact on neighboring regions.

Results. It was revealed that the aridity of climate had a favorable impact on the distribution of this species in the eastern Caucasus. We also suggest typical habitat of M.l.obtusa.

Main conclusions. Analyzed data on the distribution of lebetina viper in Dagestan has allowed delineating its habitat. It was found that its distribution is closely related to water sources and has a focal character. We have identified optimal habitats for this specie as well as limiting factors in the spread of this species in the region. Measures of protection have also been proposed.

The aim is to identify sources of flavonoids and anthocyanins with high antioxidant activity in the natural flora of Dagestan.

Methods. The above-ground portions of hoary sage (Salvia canescens C.A.Mey) were collected in the summer of 2013 in the flowering stage and dried in the shade to air-dry weight. The dried raw material has been ground and we have have measured the total content of flavonoids and anthocyanins spectrophotometrically using SF-16 by standard methods using the reaction of formation of complex compounds with aluminum chloride and cobalt chloride, respectively. The total antioxidants have been determined using the instrument for rapid analysis of total antioxidants "Yauza-COLOR-001-AAA" by an amperometric method with conversion to gallic acid.

Results. During the phytochemical analysis, we have obtained data on the total content of flavonoids, anthocyanins and antioxidants in the samples S. canescens. We have also identified samples with a high content of flavonoids and anthocyanins having antioxidant properties. The impact of high-altitude factor on variability of flavonoids, anthocyanins, total antioxidant activity has a different effect.

Conclusion. These data are the first scientific and practical interest and can be used to explain the mechanisms of variability of secondary metabolites under the influence of abiotic environmental factors, as well as recommended for medical and cosmetic industry.

Aim. The success of the introduction of plants depends on their vitality and adaptation to the new conditions of existence. The aim of our study is to identify environmental characteristics of varieties of Weigela to extend the range of ornamental plants under urban ecosystem of Krasnodar. We have analyzed the tolerance of varieties of Weigela to the temperature regime in the introduction region, we explored the complex biotic factors influencing the growth and development of these plants, and also studied the morphological characteristics of pollen and pollen productivity of Weigela flowers.

Methods. Evaluation of resistance of varieties of Weigela to a complex of abiotic and biotic factors has been conducted in the field and in the laboratory, taking into account recommendations for ornamental shrubs.

Results. Studied Weigela varieties have enough ecological valence to the force of impact of the maximum and minimum air temperatures in the area of the introduction. The most resistant to the complex of summer stress factors are the following varieties of Weigela: 'Candida', 'Nana Variegata', 'Olimpik Flame', 'Red Rrince'. The most heat-resistant varieties are 'Nana Variegata' and 'Olimpik Flame'. The most winter-hardy varieties are 'Candida' and 'Red Rrince', less winter-hardy variety is 'Nana Purpurea'. The most cold-resistant variety is 'Candida'. 'Nana Variegata' produces the highest number of fertile pollen grains. The smallest amount of fertile pollen is formed by 'Nana Purpurea'.

Main conclusion. These studies allow us to conclude that all the studied varieties of Weigela are characterized by a high degree of adaptation and deserve widespread use in gardens and parks of the city of Krasnodar.

The aim is to study temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of the kaolin mineral on crystalchemical factors and thermal transformations.

Methods. We have applied the method of investigation of geo-electric properties of high-resistivity materials.

Results. We gained the results of the study of the temperature dependence of electrical conductivity in the range of 100-1000 °C of the kaolin clay mineral, which is of great scientific and practical importance. We have proved the existence of the general laws of the nature of the change in the electrical conductivity within the temperature range for all the samples studied, due to the existence of associated complexes of elementary defects in the crystal lattice of the mineral, which play an essential role in the kinetic nature in the geosphere of the Earth. Availability of the spectrum values of the activation energy in the extrinsic region characterizes the stepped nature of dehydroxylation and delocalization of protons of hydroxyl groups of non-equivalent positions of power in the crystal lattice of the mineral, which characterizes the formation of fluid regime of sedimentary strata in dehydration.

Conclusions. It was found that the behavior of the electrical conductivity is interconnected with the processes caused by the existence of elementary defects associated in complexes in the crystal lattice of the mineral. The range of values of the activation energy of conductivity reflects the process of dehydroxylation and delocalization of protons and hydroxyl groups.

The aim is to assess the dynamics of the Caspian Sea and its impacts on coastal areas as well as to develop recommendations for economic activity in a highly unstable position of the coastline.

Methods. Based on the analysis of scientific sources and our own data on the dynamics of the Caspian Sea, are discussed the possible causes of the unstable regime of the sea level and its impacts on the ecological system of the coastal areas.

Results. One of the problems of the Caspian Sea is the problem of sea-level change and predicting such changes. The analysis shows that the level of the Caspian Sea will continue to experience long-term (including thirty-year and secular) fluctuations in the range of absolute marks minus 26 to minus 33 m, which is close to the shoreline as in 1977.

Conclusions. We find it possible to prevent the negative effects of level fluctuations, preserve biodiversity and biological resources of the Caspian Sea on condition that during the economic activities in the zone off the coast we take into account possible changes in the natural conditions of the coastal zone at risk from -20 to -34 meters of true altitude, i.e. elevations within which the sea water level will fluctuate.

Aim. Taking into consideration one of the most important environmental problems of agriculture, contamination of the soil with residues of pesticides, in particular herbicides, we have investigated the technology of developing complex substances and including them in the composition of antidotes that protect crop plant from the residues of herbicides.

Methods. To prepare the complex preparations we have proposed methods of mechanochemistry, namely co-grinding of several components having fungicidal, insecticidal, growth-regulatory and antidotal properties.

Results. These complex compositions have been used for seed protection and showed a wide range of biological activities demonstrating synergism.

Conclusion. Developed complex compositions have a synergistic effect (fungicide, plant growth regulator, an antidote against the residues of herbicides).

The aim is to reveal the investment attractiveness of sanatorium and tourist complexes of Krasnodar region as well as to identify the specifics and intraregional peculiarities of investment projects.

Methods. We have used comparative and geographical methods, statistical processing and analysis of the rating of investment attractiveness of Russian regions.

Results. We give the analysis of the place of the Krasnodar Territory in the investment rating of attractiveness of the Russian Federation regions. We also provide the data on development trends of health resort and tourist complexes of Krasnodar region. We note significant differences in conditions of development of Krasnodar territory from other Russian regions and the high internal differentiation of its territory.

Conclusions. Despite the availability of existing and prospective investment projects, the economic crisis has had a negative impact on investment. Investment projects in the health resort and tourist complexes are represented mainly on the Black Sea coast of Krasnodar region, the possibility of which is nearing the limit.

The aim is to study the effectiveness of methods of collecting entomological materials for further ecological and faunal studies as well as to gain the main evidence in ecological and faunal studies carried out in the field. Collection of the evidence in the field is necessary for the identification of species composition and to study such aspects as the distribution of species, confinement of species to certain habitats, relations with the food objects (trophism), climate, soil and orographic environmental factors.

Methodology. We have used the traditional methods of collection (hand picking, pitfall traps, pitfall traps with increased light, light traps), processing and determination of materials. In recent years, the method of collection of soil invertebrates has introduced an innovation. In expeditionary studies in the island of Tyuleny new ways have been tested of using pitfall traps equipped with an incandescent light source. They provide a higher collection efficiency of Entomological materials. List of species composition of the discussed fauna has been composed by modern taxonomy with the use of directories.

Results. We have made a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of different methods of collecting entomological materials on Coleoptera (Carabidae, Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Tenebrionidae) for environmental and faunal studies in the area of Irganayskaya arid basin of intramontane Dagestan. Not all species, registered in the studied habitat, have been identified by methods of soil sampling and pitfall traps. The greatest number of species has been identified by manual collection, and the least by soil sampling. The paper shows the effectiveness of different methods of collecting entomofauna against individual families and species of the groups studied.

Aim. The article presents the findings of the study on fauna, biotopic distribution and zoogeographical analysis of scarabaeidae family of intramontane Dagestan.

Methodology. The study of the fauna of scarabaeidae family has been conducted using a variety of methods designed for the field study of entomofauna. To study the biotope distribution we have used samples collected by the methods of soil sampling, pitfall traps and linear accounting.

Findings and discussion. Intramontane Dagestan is a kind of an interesting area, which scientists believe is the primary center for the development and spread of xerophilous flora in the Caucasus. Since 1991 Intramontane Dagestan has been considered as a special botanical-geographical province. It occupies the central and western part of the country and widely extends deep into the mountains. According to geobotanical zoning of Dagestan, the studied area belongs to meadow, steppe and upland-xerophilous vegetation areas of Dagestan. In all types of vegetation xerophytic traits are expressed; among meadows significant place is occupied by steppified varieties and among steppes by dry grain and forb-grain varieties.

Conclusion. The study has revealed 55 species of scarabaeidae belonging to 28 genera. The study of their biotopic distribution has made it possible to distinguish several groups of species in relation to water conditions. This species are confined exclusively to the mesophytic habitats (mesophiles); species prevailing in mesophytic habitats, but often found in dry habitats (mesoxerophiles); the inhabitants of the natural biotopes, which, however, use areas or seasons of greatest moisture (xerobionts); species confined exclusively to xerophytic habitats, in particular, to the arid slopes (xerophile), as well as species with high ecological valence which populate a variety of habitats (eurybionts). Research on the habitats of the studied species has made it possible to distinguish 14 zoogeographical complexes, which are dominated by the Mediterranean species of origin.