Jakub Wałowski
ABSTRACT. The shallow water zone of the Puck Bay is an exceptionally important region for fisheries and tourists as it provides spawning grounds and nurseries for many fish species and is used intensively for recreation. This paper, which is part of a more comprehensive study, describes the biological cycles of the dominant fish species (stickleback, sand goby, sand lance, flounder) in light of previously collected data. Knowledge of the spawning location and periods and the feeding grounds of fish allows for more effective preservation of living resources. The results of the study indicated that the life cycles of fish species and the quality structure of the ichthyofauna are similar to those of previous years. A clear increase in the abundance of stickleback might be an indication of growing eutrophication in this basin. Since the coastal waters of the Puck Bay provide spawning grounds and nurseries for young stages of both exploited and protected fish species, they should be under special protection.
Keywords: Puck Bay, shallow water zone, ichthyofauna, seasonal variation
Przyjęto po recenzji 01.02.2009 r.