Aim. Analysis of the distribution and status of ctenophores Вeroe ovata and Mnemiopsis leidyi, and assessment of the parameters of their interaction in the Middle Caspian Sea.

Material and Methods. The material was obtained in the western and eastern parts of the Middle Caspian Sea in September–October 2022. Large ctenophores were collected using a big cone plankton net with a 0.5 m² opening and a 500 μm, mesh size. The number and size of large ctenophores were determined immediately after collection, larvae and eggs were counted in samples fixed with formalin to a final concentration of 4%. Zooplankton samples were collected by the Juday plankton net (0.1 m² opening, 180 μm mesh size).

Results. In September‐October 2022, a developed population of Вeroe ovata with active reproduction was recorded in the waters of the Middle Caspian Sea. The habitat area of B. ovata has significantly expanded to the north compared to 2021. Complete suppression of the Mnemiopsis population by the Beroe was observed on most of the western and eastern shelf, as well. The total number of Beroe reached 48 ind/m², biomass – 12 g/m². Single large individuals were found in the north of the Middle Caspian Sea at salinity 5.7 psu. The structure of mesozooplankton was still dominated by the small copepod Acartia tonsa.

Conclusion. New data indicate the active development of the Вeroe ovata in the Caspian Sea, which presents a fundamental challenge for the restoration of the Caspian ecosystem. The progressive adaptation of Beroe to the conditions of the Caspian Sea has led to its expansion to the north of the Middle Caspian Sea in areas with low salinity. A complete suppression of the M. Leidyi population by the new alien noted on most of the shelf indicates an increase in its pressure on the Mnemiopsis population compared to the corresponding period of 2021.

Aim. To identify and describe communities which include Juniperus oblonga on the Gunib Plateau. To conduct a taxonomic, geographical, biomorphological analysis of the flora of these communities.

Material and Methods. The research was carried out by the method of the laying of trial plots. 15 geobotanical descriptions were undertaken. Office data processing was carried out using tabular ecological‐phytocenotic analysis. Analysis of the flora of the communities was carried out according to generally accepted methods of floristic research.

Results. The flora of the juniper woodlands of the Gunib Plateau is represented by 185 species from 124 genera and 41 families. According to the results of geographical analysis, 19 geoelements were identified from 4 geotypes, of which the species of the boreal group (53.8%) of the Caucasian geoelement (31.9%) are the most represented. There are present rare and disappearing (2.7%), endemic (28.1%) and relict species (14.1%). An ecological‐phytocenotic classification of communities with the participation of Juniperus oblonga on the Gunib Plateau was developed and 4 associations, 5 subassociations and 5 variants were identified. A prodromus was compiled.

Conclusion. Sparse juniper forests are one of the main types of vegetation of the Gunib Plateau, constituting a third of the flora of the plateau with a high degree of uniqueness and a complex of abiotic factors that change along the altitudinal gradient, microrelief and slope exposures, which are decisive when dominants change in communities of sparse juniper forests.

Aim. As a paleoendemic petrophilic species of the foothills of Dagestan Scabiosa gumbetica Boiss, its comprehensive studies are relevant. This work is devoted to the identification of the state of the Tantari cenopopulation of the species and the study of the renewal potential of individuals in the field, in laboratory conditions and through in vitro culture.

Material and Methods. Long‐term population studies of Scabiosa gumbetica using geobotanical methods were carried out in the vicinity of the village of Tantari in the Gumbetovsky district of Dagestan. The vital state of individuals was determined by the Zlobin method, while the degree of vitality of individuals was determined according to Ishbirdin. The introduction of the subject into in vitro culture was done according to the generally accepted methodology.

Results. A wide range of variation in the characteristics of S. gumbetica individuals characterises the differentiation of ecotopes in which it occurs. The vital analysis of individuals revealed depressive tendencies in the development of the cenopopulation with a low degree of severity. A high value of potential and a low value of real seed productivity were shown – insufficient for successful seed renewal in natural populations. The potential of vegetative renewal of individuals was confirmed, which compensates for the low productivity of natural seed renewal. A scheme of clonal micro‐multiplication of S. gumbetica was developed by cultivating nodal explants on a Murashige‐Skuga medium with the addition of IBA, NAA, BAP and kinetin.

Conclusion. Low real seed productivity and depressive tendencies of the vitality of individuals in the Tanari cenopopulation of S. gumbetica indicate the need to develop methods for its conservation. Biotechnological methods can be promising. Studies have substantiated and demonstrated the possibilities of microclonal reproduction by direct organogenesis.

Aim. On the basis of factual material, an assessment was made of the state of land previously (more than 15 years ago) developed as arable land and "abandoned" to date.

Material and Methods. Control plots located in different landscape provinces of the Volga‐Oka interfluve were compared in terms of the state of the vegetation cover, as well as the type of overgrowth.

Results. Three types of overgrowing of postagrogenic lands characteristic of the initial and intermediate stages of overgrowing of pre‐climax communities have been identified: overgrowing of fields associated with a change in land use; overgrowing of fields with a nearby forest; and overgrowing of fields without a closely located forest.

Conclusion. It was shown that as a result of the overgrowing of agricultural lands, the species diversity of plant communities is sharply reduced, the restoration of which is very problematic in the foreseeable future. While postagrogenic phytocenoses are able to gradually restore their production potential to the level of natural phytocenoses, however, their productivity will occur with a different species composition of herbaceous plants with low biodiversity.

Aim. In connection with global climate change and an increase in the intensity of aridisation of the region of the southern coast of Crimea (SCC), the aim is to study the ecophysiological response of Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb is, during its intensive vegetative phase, and the impact of external environmental factors that greatly influence the characteristics of the water regime, which would allow the possible establishment of optimal and unfavorable conditions for the growth of the species.

Material and Methods. Measurements of environmental parameters were carried out using a wireless phytomonitoring system. Applied computer programs were used for statistical data processing. Modeling and smoothing of two‐dimensional data was carried out using the least squares method, robust locally weighted regression and a mathematical model of stepwise regression analysis.

Results. To assess the ecophysiological response to the impact of external environmental factors during the growing season of Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb, we applied a mathematical model of stepwise regression analysis. As dependent variables, we used the relative water flow velocity in the shoot (Sf, r.u.) and shoot diameter (d, mm), data were obtained from SF‐5P water flow sensors and SD‐10z sensors. The independent variables were the main environmental factors. The share of dispersion of the dependent variable, explained by the applied models, was determined as 98–99%.

Conclusions. The development of a model based on a database of plant functions with appropriate quantitative characteristics will make it possible in the future to predict the ecological state of a particular area or region as a whole.

Aim. The aim of the work was to study the possibility of using an environmentally friendly strain of yeast of the genus Rhodotorula for the bioconversion into fodder carotenoid‐containing biomass of the secondary product of processing pea flour into a protein concentrate (whey).

Material and Methods. We used a new strain of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa 111 and by‐products of processing pea and chickpea flour into protein concentrates and potatoes into starch (whey). We used standard and special methods for the analysis of serum and microbial‐vegetable concentrate (FMVC) namely: chemical; biochemical; microbiological; and the determination of toxicity with ciliates.

Results. Optimal conditions for growing R. mucilaginosa 111 on pea whey were determined (temperature 16.9°C, pH 7.8, amount of inoculum 1.85%). More biomass was synthesized on pea whey than on chickpea and potato whey – 81 g/dm³. The mass fraction of protein in the biomass is 58.90±3.03% on dry matter and the rate of essential amino acids is 119– 243%. Lipids included 20% saturated and 78% unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid – 45.26±0.70%, oleic – 24.04±0.76%, palmitoleic – 6.46±0.31%, palmitic – 13.70±0.81%. The yeast produced phytoin derivatives, torulene, β‐carotene, torularodin and phytoin. FMVC from pea whey stimulated the growth of ciliates Tetrahymena pyriformis by 29.1%, from chickpea whey (by 18.6% more intensively than distilled water), while potato whey reduced its growth rate.

Conclusion. The dry biomass of the ecologically safe new yeast strain R. mucilaginosa 111 contained complete proteins, lipids, minerals, and carotenoids necessary for feeding animals. Thus liquid pea whey can be used for its biokonversions, while avoiding environmental pollution.

Aim. To study the variability of the intrapopulation structure of the causative agent of wheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Erikss.) on the basis of pathogenicity under the influence of the combined fungicide Abacus Ultra, SE.

Material and Methods. The studies were carried out in the greenhouse complex of the Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection on the winter wheat variety Krasnodarskaya 99 which is susceptible to leaf rust. The material studied was the combined fungicide Abacus Ultra, SE with application rates of 0.75; 1.0; 1.25; 1.5; 1.75 l/ha. The work was carried out according to generally accepted methods.

Results. The influence of the impact of different rates of application of the fungicide Abacus Ultra, SE on the average virulence of the P. triticina population was established, this indicator varying from 40.0% (control [without treatment]) to 19.5% (fungicide application rate 1.75 l/ha). As a result of the analysis of the phenotypic composition of the population, 5 phenotypes were identified. A decrease in the viability of spores of the fungus P. triticina with an increase in the rate of application of the fungicide was established, this indicator varying from 69.1% (0.75 l/ha) to 29.2% (1.75 l/ha). A decrease in the aggressiveness of the population of the causative agent of leaf rust with an increase in the rate of application of the drug was established. The biological effectiveness of the fungicide Abacus Ultra, SE against the pathogen was 95.3–97.8% at the recommended application rate of 1.0–1.5 l/ha.

Conclusion. The study showed that the population of the leaf rust pathogen treated with the chemical fungicide Abacus Ultra, SE is characterised by a change in structure in terms of aggressiveness and virulence, while the sensitivity remains high due to the combination of the active substances pyraclostrobin and epoxiconazole with a different mechanism of action in the preparation.

Aim. To systematise data on pathogens of viral diseases of garden and berry crops in the south of the Russian Far East.

Discussion. The peculiar climatic features of the Far East limit the range of garden and berry crops. However, there are a significant number of species of wild fruits and berry plants in the region, which have increased (often – record breaking) frost resistance and are therefore actively used for breeding new cultural forms. At the same time, for the last century and a half new varieties of garden crops have been actively introduced to the Far East, which has lead to an increase in the risk of penetration of entire phytovirus complexes together with vegetatively propagated (cuttings, vaccinations) plants. The greatest damage to garden crops in the Far East is caused by a number of representatives of the genus Nepovirus (Picornavirales: Secoviridae): Tomato ringspot virus, Arabis mosaic virus, Raspberry ringspot virus, Grapevine fanleaf virus, Grapevine linear pattern virus as well as several still unidentified viruses. Among other taxonomic groups of phytoviruses dangerous for fruit and berry crops one could point out Potato virus Y (Patatavirales: Potyviridae, Potyvirus), Carnation ringspot virus (Tolivirales: Tombusviridae, Dianthovirus), Clover yellow mosaic virus (Tymovirales: Alphaflexiviridae, Potexvirus), Cucumber mosaic virus (Martellivirales: Bromoviridae, Cucumovirus), Alfalfa mosaic virus (Martellivirales: Bromoviridae, Alfamovirus). The paper considers the species composition of aphids‐carriers of phytoviruses affecting garden crops of the region.

Conclusions. In connection with the further prospects for the development of horticulture in the Russian Far East, it is necessary to intensify ecological and virological studies of this section of phytovirology as well as to increase access to agricultural producers with available test systems.

Aim. To study the structure of bacteria exometabolites of the Bacillus velezensis BZR336g strain using the GC×GC‐MS method when cultivated on nutrient media differing in the content of microelements.

Material and Methods. The object of the study is the B. velezensis BZR336g bacterium strain. It shows promise for the development of a biopreparation on its basis for protecting plants against phytopathogenic fungi. Exometabolites were isolated from the liquid culture and their metabolomic profile was analysed with the GC×GC‐MS method using a LECO Pegasus BT‐4D device.

Results. Among the identified compounds one can see the precursors of biologically active metabolites of bacteria of the strain B. velezensis BZR336g. Analysis of the total accumulation of fatty acids and their analogs, as well as of amino acids and peptides, by B. velezensis BZR336g bacteria on nutrient media differing in the content of metal ions, shows that Co²⁺ ions in combination with Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions play an important role in inducing their synthesis. The presence of the Co²⁺ ion in the nutrient medium has the greatest influence on the synthesis of peptide components. If it is removed from the nutrient medium, the amount of amino acids and peptides decreases by almost two times. Benzene compounds can act as precursors of aromatic hydrocarbons, which are also of interest in the analysis of bacterial metabolism, since they have antimicrobial activity.

Conclusions. The number of compounds that are precursors of lipopeptide metabolites depends on the content of metal ions in the nutrient medium. This fact may vary depending on the combination in which the metals are present.

Aim. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of dry ethanol extracts of some Artemisia spp. growing in the Novosibirsk region for SARS‐CoV‐2 replication.

Materials and Methods. The laboratory strain SARS‐CoV‐2/human/RUS/Nsk‐FRCFTM‐1/2020 was passed on Vero cell culture. Dry ethanol extracts of plant parts (stems, flowers, leaves) of six types of Artemisia were prepared. The types used were: A. vulgaris L.; A. glauca (Pall. Ex Willd.); A. dracunculus L. (from three growth locations); A. absinthium L.; A. frigida Willd.; and A. sieversiana Ehrh. ex Willd. Dry extracts were dissolved in DMSO. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of extracts against SARS‐CoV‐2 (an infectious titer of 10³ TCID₅₀/ml) replication was performed in a Vero E6 cell culture. To do this, the method of direct inactivation (neutralization) of virions, as well as schemes of “preventive” and “therapeutic” of cells, were used. Comparison samples were dry ethanol extracts of Inonotus obliquus, Syzygium aromaticum L. and Camellia sinensis L.

Results. Extracts of leaves of Artemisia spp. proved to be most effective in direct inactivation of virions. By equal and decreasing activity these are the species: A. vulgaris; A. dracunculus*; A. absinthium; A. dracunculus***; A. dracunculus**; A. frigidа; A. glauca; and A. sieversiana with a 50% effective concentration of range 1.10±0.24 – 11.72±2.89 μg/ml. Extracts of flowers of A. vulgaris, A.glauca, A. dracunculus*, A. dracunculus**, A. dracunculus***, A. frigida and A. sieversiana also contain biologically active substances which act both destructively on virions and after the virus has entered cells. For extracts of stems consistently high values of EC₅₀ were found for A. glauca (6.84±1.35; 7.81±2.00 and 14.06±3.06 μg/ml) according to the results of three experimental schemes.

Conclusion. The results obtained can become the basis for the development of inexpensive domestic drugs for the treatment and/or prevention of COVID‐19.

Aim. To analyse the consequences of the virgin lands (1954‐1963) agrarian‐social megaproject, and of current land reforms. To elaborate contributions to the Russian post‐virgin land space development strategy.

Material and methods. Historical records and sources, field geographical observations data and survey information have been used. The convergence principle, cartographic, comparative historical and comparative typological analyses, expert assessment and the logical method of generalizations have been applied.

Results. A notion concerning the cumulative consequences of the largest agrarian‐social megaprojects, such as the Virgin Land campaign of 1954‐ 1963 and land reforms in Russia and Kazakhstan in the 1990s, has been developed. The actual socio‐economical and ecological problems of post‐ virgin land areas have been examined. A differentiated assessment of the self‐reconstruction potential of the steppe is given. The value of a system of formed steppe cores is demonstrated through the example of post‐ virgin land space in the Orenburgskaya oblast and a series of recommendations on these rational utlisation of these cores is proposed.

Conclusion. The post‐virgin land space in Russia is characterised by a series of acute agroecological and conservational problems, such as poor development of adaptive animal husbandry and fodder production and priority accorded high risk dry crop farming. The realisation in practice of agronomy extensive approaches based on irreversible natural resources mobilization and on soil consumptive commercial crops expansion are accompanied by topsoil degradation. Under current conditions, the conservation and restoration of title (key) steppe biological objects and the more effective realisation of post‐virgin land space developmental potential both require urgent strategic initiatives by the Russiann Federation Government.

Aim. Assess the change in the hydrological regime of the Torey Lakes based on a probabilistic forecast of the parameters of the water balance of these reservoirs, taking into account anthropogenic influence.

Material and Methods. The study used materials from the state observation network of Roshydromet, Earth remote sensing data, research materials from scientific organisations and other sources of information that are in the public domain. Methods of statistical data analysis, mathematical modeling, hydrological calculations, including the water balance method and methods of processing and decoding satellite information were used.

Results. With the implementation of the planned water management project, accompanied by additional non‐returnable water consumption in Mongolia, the consequences for the water regime of the Torey Lakes can be significant, especially in the low‐water phase of the water cycle, when the level decrease in the Barun‐Torey Lake will average 70 cm and in Zun‐ Torey – 80 cm. Through this project, the faster drying of the lakes, on average 2–3 years earlier, will be avoided.

Conclusions. The ecological systems of the Dauria region are characterized by a process of cyclic succession and are mainly adapted to the contemporary climatic moisture cycle. For these ecosystems, any changes in external factors are fundamentally important, since they can lead to the irreversibility of natural processes. Based on the results obtained in this study, it is possible to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the anthropogenic impact on the state of the Torey Lakes and nearby ecosystems.

Aim. In this work, the main aim was a retrospective analysis of the geo‐ecological state and problems of natural territorial complexes (NTC) of the valley of the plains area of the Kuma River in the context of hydrological and morphological dynamics for the period from the 18^th century to the present.

Material and Methods. The paper analyses the state of the landscape’s natural components in the region, for which topographic, sectoral and cadastral maps, digital relief model, satellite images were used. Openly available data of ministries, departments, archival and stock materials were used. The degree of anthropogenic transformation of the natural‐territorial complexes was calculated based on the coefficient of ecological stability of landscapes.

Result. Using the example of the plains area of the Kuma River for the period of the 18^th‐21^st centuries, the geo‐ecological features of valley NTC were analysed. Studies have shown that at the present stage meandering remains an important condition for land use in the Kuma River valley in terms of both agricultural land and residential areas. Cartographic schemes of land use of a modelled plot in the valley of the Kuma River were constructed, allowing the assessment of the efficiency of the economic use of the fields of oxbow lakes.

Conclusion. For the last two hundred years, valley NTC have remained significant for settlement purposes and related economic activities. The modern meandering belt together with the fields of the older such features create special environment forming conditions for the functioning of the stabilising components of the landscape, floodplain forest being a basic integral factor in the preservation of regional biodiversity. It is recommended that when organising the sustainable use of the land resources of river valleys for the purposes of territorial planning, the regional features of placement of meanders and oxbow lakes be taken into account.

Aim. To analyze the data in the available literature regarding the effect of various tillages on the development and prevalence of wheat pathogens.

Discussion. According to the literature, the existing tillage technologies – classical, minimal and zero – significantly affect the development of pathogens that cause the development of wheat diseases in regions that differ in soil and climatic conditions. In Russia and other countries near and far, the issue of combating diseases of agricultural crops is dealt with by chemical, biological and agrotechnical methods. Despite the fact that agrotechnical methods are of the utmost importance in the general system of measures to protect plants from damage, for a long‐time agricultural technology as a means of plant protection was underestimated. However, many agricultural techniques, as well as genetics and selection, increase the resistance of plants to damage.

Conclusion. As a result of these techniques, it is possible to create environmental conditions that will be unfavourable for the reproduction of diseases. At the present time, opinion is firmly established that separately undertaken, isolated methods cannot properly solve the problem of protecting plants from pathogens of agricultural crops. Only a set of methods combined into a system of measures provides a solid basis for plant protection. And in this system of measures, the role of agricultural practices is extremely large.

Aim. To record factually the development of floating islands on Lake Chebarkul (Davletovo) as a landscape‐hydrological phenomenon in the Ural River basin and in the Southern Trans‐Urals, to determine the mechanisms of formation and to identify the specific features of their morphostructure, intra‐annual movements and long‐term dynamics.

Materials and Methods. Based on images of high (2003–2020) and medium (1972–2020) spatial resolution, an analysis was made of qualitative and quantitative indicators reflecting the long‐term and intra‐ annual dynamics of the state of floating islands (mats) and coastal thickets of macrophytes («splavina» or «labza» in Russian).

Results. It was established that the main source of material for the islands were the coastal thickets of macrophytes at the site of the confluence of watercourses into the lake (Yangelka River and Mogak Crrek), which periodically (during periods of extreme spring floods) lose contact with coastal shallow waters and are carried into the lake. The high variability of the states and the dynamism of the displacement of the islands, as well as the tendency to reduce the number and area of the islands and coastal thickets of macrophytes, caused, among other factors, by the consequences of the anomalous summer flood of 2013, were revealed. Being in an unfixed state, floating islands drift along the water area of the lake for considerable distances, reaching 10–15 km or more during the ice‐ free period of the year. The main driving force is the wind, which causes prevailing alongshore displacements of the islands: as a result of collisions, they are reduced in size and acquire a rounded shape in plan.

Conclusion. Throughout the historical period, floating islands around the world have been perceived as a landscape phenomenon that deserves protection and rational use. Lake Chebarkul with floating islands is of undoubted interest as an object of geographical, hydrological, ecological and biological research.

Aim. The goal is to consider landscape aspects of nature management optimisation in the transboundary basin of the Ural River which have not been taken into account until the present time through measures being developed to improve the ecological state of the basin and its main river.

Materials and Methods. The long‐term data of the hydrological regime of the rivers of the basin are analysed. The article summarizes the experience of optimizing water management relations in the river basin and the main results of the activities of the Inter‐Republican Committee on the Ural River basin (1977–1994).

Results. Cycles of low‐water and high‐water years in the 20th–beginning of the 21st century are revealed. A list of priority landscape restoration measures has been developed and their ordination according to natural zones and types of localities has been carried out.

Conclusions. It is confirmed that the highest and most effective form of territorial protection of landscape and biological diversity are natural reserves – special natural protected areas forming a landscape‐ecological framework. A number of ecological‐stabilising protected natural territories are proposed including the Ural‐Caspian Protected Fisheries Zone, which is aimed at partial restoration of the sturgeon population of the Ural‐Caspian basin adapted to the changed hydrological regime.

Aim. Evaluation of the possibilities of mathematical logic and logical‐mathematical methods in the description of complex natural systems in simple and clear constructions, as they act as a language, special research methods, a source of ideas and concepts in natural science.

Discussion. The article discusses the possibilities and advantages of logical and mathematical methods in the analysis of natural science information, and, in particular, environmental data. It gives a comparative overview of logical and mathematical constructions in the formation of scientific thinking. The list of the most common mathematical and logical symbols for the formalised recording of complex ecological systems is provided, together with examples of the use of logical and mathematical formulas as formal and implicative statements in the brief recording of natural science information.

Conclusion. The research conducted does not convincingly indicate unambiguous advantages of using the symbols of mathematical logic rather than verbal presentation. However, since ecology deals with the description of arch‐complex systems, including operations of formalised problem statement, the formalised structuring of ecosystems, the grouping of ecosystems according to measures of their similarity‐difference or inclusion–intersection, and the classification of selected ecosystems in a certain specified group, the need for widespread application of logical and mathematical research is indisputable.

Aim. When assessing the degree of transformation and openness of the territory for invasive species, a description of the current state of their biological diversity should be made taking into account the diversity index of adventitious species.

Discussion. The problem of intensification of biological invasions has now become one of the world's most acute problems. Biological invasions of alien species have acquired such a scale that by now it is almost impossible to find terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, wherever adventitious organisms are found. In practice, a number of categories and indices of diversity are used to assess biological diversity, and the methods of their measurement and analysis are also different. But all of them operate with almost two indicators – the number of species and their relative abundance – quantitative parameters, without taking into account modern qualitative changes in species in the composition of ecosystems.

Results. It is proposed to introduce additional estimates of the share of adventitious species (the "adventiousness index") in the assessments of total biodiversity, which are necessary to solve a whole range of practical tasks. They give an idea of the state of ecosystems at the moment in a certain area, serve as the basis for the development of a management system for individual species, are necessary to assess the suitability of potential habitats for reintroduction and etc.

Aim. Experimental assessment of the impact of electric fields generated by the Electronic Programmable Complex Fish‐protecting Facility on the Electric Principle (EP EPRCFF) on the most common fish species of the Black Sea.

Material and Methods. Experimental studies were conducted at the marine test site in the Quarantine Bay of the Black Sea (May‐September, 2021). The following were investigated on larvae, juvenile and adult fish of common species: behavioral responses to electrical fields, survival during and after exposure to the electric field of the fish barrier and the effects of electricity on the reproductive system and biochemical parameters of fish.

Results. The features of behavior and distribution of larvae, juvenile and adult fish in the electric field of a fish barrier in modes of different intensity have been analysed. Survival estimation of fish during and after electric influence of the fish barrier has been carried out. The data on the influence of the electric screen on the reproductive system of fish and the biochemical characteristics of their internal organs were analysed.

Conclusion. The larvae of fish exhibit a clear “first reaction” to the impact of the electric fish screen. However, there is no avoidance effect (i.e. escape of fish larvae from the area of the working electrode system). The juveniles actively move from the operation zone of the fish‐protective device, avoiding the influence of the electric field. The maximum distance from the electrode system EPRCFF was recorded in adult fish. Significant differences were not revealed in the direct assessment of the survival rate of control and experimental groups of individuals of different species of marine fish after exposure to the electric fish barrier. Some differences on the reproductive system of the fish species studied in the structure of gonads and reactivity of cells were noted under the influence of the electric barrier. The biochemical status of the internal organs under electrical action differed in various species of marine fish.  

Aim. Formulation of the outlines of the concept of ViEW (Viral Early Warning) which is intended as a long term system of multidisciplinary transboundary cooperation between specialist institutions of all five Caspian region states to research, regularly monitor and share data about the generation, transmission and epidemiology of avian‐borne pathogens and their vectors in the region, and the ways climate change may affect these processes.

Material and Methods. The concept is based on the multidisciplinary experience of the authors in researching the processes incorporated in the ViEW concept and on an in‐depth survey of the literature involved.

Results. The outlines of the ViEW concept are presented in this study for review and comment by interested parties and stakeholders.

Conclusion. Review of activities and opinions of specialists and organizations with remits relating to the development, establishment and maintenance of ViEW, indicates that such a system is a necessity for global animal and human health because of the role that the Caspian region plays in the mass migration of species of waterbird known as vectors for avian influenza and the already evident impacts of climate change on their phenologies. Waterbirds frequenting the Caspian Sea littorals and their habitats together constitute a major potential global hotspot or High Risk region for the generation and transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and other dangerous zoonotic diseases.