On establishment of biological (zoological) reserves for conservation of aquatic biological resources and their habitat in the Sheksna and Rybinsk reservoirs

New specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) of regional significance, i.e. state biological (zoological) reserves “Spawning Grounds of Belozerye” and “Ramenye”, have been established in waters of the Sheksna and Rybinsk reservoirs located within the boundaries of Vologda Oblast. In waters of both reserves, producers and the young of phytophilous fish (bream, pike, perch, roach, silver bream, etc.) are concentrated in the spring-summer period. Their share in catches implemented with fixed nets makes up 81–85% (“Spawning Grounds of Belozerye”) and 81–96% (“Ramenye”). The area of flooded in spring overgrown sites, which are major spawning grounds for phytophilous fish species, reaches about 37.5 km2, or 29.8% of the total protected area in the “Spawning Grounds of Belozerye” and 34.8 km2, or 23.4% – in the “Ramenye” reserve. Taking into account the localization of spawning substrates, the boundaries of both SPNAs have been adjusted with further development of restrictions to be imposed on economic and other activities.