Reproductive cycle,size at first maturation and fecundity in the golden ling,Genypterus blacodes,in Chile

Reproductive aspects of the golden ling, Genypterus blacodes, from the southern Chilean fishery are presented. Gonad samples were obtained from commercially caught fish between September 1999 and October 2000. Stage of sexual maturity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and size of females at 50% maturation determined by logistic methods and by plotting the mean GSI by total length, are presented for both years. Batch fecundity was calculated from subsampling mature ovaries containing oocytes in advanced stages of maturity. Changes in GSI and monthly diameters of oocytes showed that ling had a spawning season which extended between August and November. The sizes at first maturity in 1999 and 2000 were 86.6 and 84.8 cm total length (TL), respectively, using the logistic model, and 84 cm for both years using the mean GSI‐size plotting method. The mean batch fecundity was 333 330 oocytes per individual for fish sized 85–120 cm TL. Fecundity increased with increasing weight and total length.     

Batch fecundity and spawning frequency of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

The reproductive biology of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) inhabiting waters of the southwest Atlantic Ocean (52°‐53°S and 57°‐62°W) was studied through histological analysis of the ovaries. During 2003, the spawning peak occurred at the beginning of September south of the Malvinas Islands. Batch fecundity of this species ranged from 35 000 (41 cm total length, TL) to 245 000 (62 cm TL) oocytes and relative batch fecundity was 122 ± 43 (Mean ± SD, n = 24) oocytes per gram somatic weight. The average proportion of mature females with stage‐0 post‐ovulatory follicles was 0.25 for September 2003, which indicated a spawning frequency of 4 days during the peak of the season. Large females produced more egg batches than small spawners during the same period, but no significant relationship was found between oocyte dry weight and female size of southern blue whiting.     

Merluccius capensis spawn in Namibian waters,but do M. paradoxus?

Spawning time and areas, and the length of the spawning season of shallow-water (Merluccius capensis) and deep-water (M. paradoxus) hake, were investigated from bottom trawl collections taken in Namibian waters between September 1998 and October 2000 and from August to November 2001. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the incidence of advanced maturity stages of M. paradoxus were low along the entire coast throughout the year, but with a few exceptions in the south (between Lüderitz and Orange River). By contrast, M. capensis spawn in the area throughout the year, but mainly between July and October. Evaluating the accuracy of visual maturity staging by comparing results with those of image and histological analyses revealed few errors in classifications of maturity stage in the field, with the exception of Stage 5 (spent and resting) in M. paradoxus. Specific GSI values were intercalibrated with the appearance of developing oocytes. As the GSI is quickly estimated, this new concept, designated here as a 'maturity reference line', could enhance understanding of the spawning biology of other species with a similarly complex, indeterminate spawning strategy. It is concluded that M. paradoxus do not appear to spawn in Namibian waters.     

Growth and reproduction of the Japanese mantis shrimp, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oratosquilla oratoria</Emphasis> (De Haan 1844) in the coastal area of Tongyeong,Korea

Growth and reproduction of the Japanese mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria, were investigated in the Tongyeong, Korea from July 2014 to August 2015. A total of 2,621 samples (1,380 females and 1,241 males) were collected during the study period. Females were observed more frequently than males. The mean body length (BL) was 128.5 ± 0.38 mm in females and 126.9 ± 0.42 mm in males. The mean body weight (BW) was 31.2 ± 0.28 g in females and 31.1 ± 0.32 g in males. There was a significant difference in the length-frequency distribution between females and males. The relationship between BL and BW was lnBW = 2.85 × lnBL - 10.43 for females and lnBW = 2.87 × lnBL -10.52 for males. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) varied on a monthly basis. The GSI reached a maximum in May and a minimum in November. The highest values of the GSI coincided with the spawning period of O. oratoria. Larger individuals of O. oratoria have their spawning season earlier than smaller ones. The size at sexual maturity of females was estimated as 96.5 mm. The Von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were BL_∞ = 184.5 mm, K = 0.72 year^?1, C = 0.36 and WP = 0.45 for females and BL_∞ = 183.75 mm, K = 0.82 year^?1, C = 0.38 and WP = 0.22 for males. The growth of males was slightly faster than females. The present study will help with the fisheries management of O. oratoria based on ecological parameters.     

阿根廷滑柔鱼(Illex argentinus)雌性成熟个体的有效繁殖力及有效生殖投入

为掌握阿根廷滑柔鱼繁殖特性,根据2021年在西南大西洋公海采集到的阿根廷滑柔鱼样本进行计数和分析雌性成熟个体有效繁殖力,并利用能量密度测定技术测定分析其有效生殖投入。结果显示,阿根廷滑柔鱼雌性成熟个体的平均胴长为(244.90±16.36) mm,平均体质量为(295.16±64.85) g。雌性成熟个体的有效繁殖力为24 363～102 633粒卵母细胞,平均有效繁殖力为(63 158.49±16 782.00)粒卵母细胞;卵子能量密度值为25.01～26.09kJ/g,平均值为(25.71±0.25)k J/g;有效生殖投入为219.80～817.06 kJ,平均有效生殖投入为(465.02±158.71)kJ。在功能性成熟期,雌性个体的有效繁殖力和有效生殖投入均达到最大值。然而,自成熟度Ⅳ期至Ⅵ期,卵子能量密度值、体质量相对有效繁殖力、体质量相对有效生殖投入均没有显著差异。同时,混合模型结果显示,雌性成熟个体的有效繁殖力和有效生殖投入均随着体质量增加显著增大,但与个体体征没有显著相关性。结果表明,阿根廷滑柔鱼雌性成熟个体的有效繁殖力和有效生殖投入均与成熟体型大小密切相关,然而不同...     

Age, growth and reproduction of the sand smelt Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810 in the Gomishan wetland – southeast Caspian Sea

A total of 2256 specimens of Atherina boyeri caught in Gomishan wetland (a marsh lagoon located at the southeast Caspian Sea) during spawning season from February to August 2007 were examined for life-history attributes. The population has a 4-year life cycle. Length–weight relationship was estimated as W = 0.0053TL^3.0181 for males and W = 0.0050TL^3.063 for females, being allometrically positive for both sexes. The von Bertalanffy growth function fitted to back-calculated size at age data was: Lt = 155.17[1 − exp − 0.28(t + 0.738)] and Lt = 162.77[1 − exp − 0.27(t + 0.727)] for males and females respectively. The sex ratio was 1:1.30 in favor of females. The reproductive season, evaluated from GSI, extended from March to July, with a peak in March. The average absolute and relative fecundities were 2976 eggs and 874 eggs g⁻¹ of body weight respectively. The diameter of oocytes ranged from 0.03 to 0.20 mm with a mean value of 0.68. The life-history patterns of A. boyeri in the population under study imply that the population of this species in the southeast Caspian Sea differs markedly from those of other localities of its range distribution. The differences were thought to be due to differences in geographical locations.     

Reproductive biology of horse mackerel Trachurus capensis and Trachurus trecae in Namibia and Angola

Harvest control measures for Namibia and Angola are defined using reference points for spawning biomass, which requires knowledge of spawning potential and dynamics of fishery stocks. The reproductive biology of two species of horse mackerel, Trachurus capensis and Trachurus trecae, in these waters was investigated for spawning distribution in time and space. Samples were collected during two scientific cruises conducted in February and July/August 2007 off the coast of Namibia and Angola. A total of 396 fish ovaries was examined to determine the spawning dynamics of the two species. The ovaries were histologically analysed and their oocyte distributions mapped. The length (TL)–weight relationships of the two species differed significantly. The observed development of oocyte recruitment and absence of a hiatus in the oocyte distribution indicated that these species are indeterminate spawners. Analyses of the data from the NatMIRC database (2001–2004) indicated annual changes in gonadosomatic index (GSI) for T. capensis at different latitudes, but these changes were small. GSI also fluctuated between years and areas, but there were no clear spatial or temporal trends, with averages ≤4.0% at all stations. The GSI of both species was not indicative of the histologically determined development of gonad maturity. Oocyte maturation for T. capensis indicated that smaller and younger fish spawn first. Batch fecundity (F) for T. trecae was best described by F = 4 986 TL (cm) – 99 645 (r ² = 0.83). This study provided the first analyses of oocyte development in time and space for the two species in the region.     

Life cycle and population dynamics of Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772), Isopoda Valvifera from the Bizerte lagoon (Southern Mediterranean Sea – Tunisia)

The population dynamics and life cycle of Idotea balthica basteri (Pallas, 1772) were studied at the Menzel Jemil (lagoon of Bizerte, Tunisia) based on monthly samples taken from October 2009 to September 2011. The presence of juveniles and gravid females throughout the sampling period showed that this species exhibits continuous reproduction. Sexual differentiation occurs in approximately 43–59 days. Females took 88–160 days (3–5.5 months) to reach sexual maturation, and males took 102 days (3.5 months). The fecundity and fertility values exhibited a great variation in the number of eggs and embryos or mancae inside the marsupium which was correlated with the length of the gravid females. The sex ratio underwent fluctuations throughout the sampling period but was always in favour of females. Size frequency distributions were analysed recognizing 24 cohorts during the sampling period. Six cohorts were identified in October 2009 and 18 cohorts in November 2009–September 2011. Among these latter cohorts, nine were tracked till they disappeared. The minimum average size of new cohorts ranged from 1.92 ± 0.31 to 2.97 ± 0.26 mm and the maximum values ranged from 12.83 ± 0.96 to 19.23 ± 0.56 mm. Life span was estimated at 10–14 months. I. balthica basteri, in the lagoon of Bizerte, is a semi‐annual species with iteroparous females, and a bivoltine life cycle that produces two generations per year.     

Reproductive biology of Ilisha elongata (Teleostei: Pristigasteridae) in Ariake Sound,Japan: Implications for estuarine fish conservation in Asia

Elongate ilisha (Ilisha enlongata) is a commercially important species that contributes to clupeoid fisheries in Asian countries. In the present study, the reproductive biology of I. elongata in Ariake Sound, Japan is determined for the first time. Six maturity stages were described using ovarian and testicular histology throughout the annual cycle. The spawning season in Ariake Sound lasts from May to July, with peak spawning activity in May and June. Age at first maturity was estimated to be 2 years, with a few exceptions of 1 year in well-developed males. Ovaries that contained both tertiary yolk oocytes and postovulatory follicles occurred from late May to late July, indicating that I. elongata is a multiple spawner. The size–frequency distribution of oocytes provided evidence for its multiple spawning and accuracy of the fecundity estimates. The batch fecundity of this species was estimated at between 22,200 and 270,900 eggs per individual, increasing with age between two and six years. The present findings on the reproductive strategy of I. elongata in Ariake Sound are generally consistent with those in temperate or subtropical populations, but quite different from those of tropical population where first maturation occurs around 200 days and life spans are shorter, with a maximum age less than 3 years. The conservation implications of this reproductive strategy in a harsh, variable environment in Asian countries are also discussed.     

Life-history patterns of the salt-marsh killifish Fundulus heteroclitus (L.) introduced in the estuary of the guadalquivir river (South West Spain)

Two thousand four hundred and eighty-four specimens from a population of Fundulus heteroclitus introduced into the southwestern Iberian Peninsula were used to carry out a study on age, growth and reproduction. In this new habitat the species displayed the same life-history tactics as in its original areas. The life-span was shorter, with a winter age-structure of 67·4% in 0 + group, 29·1% in 1 + group, 2·5% in 2 + group and 1·1% in 3 + group. Females showed a higher growth rate and a longer growth period than males and because of this they were always longer than males in all the age-groups. In both sexes growth stopped and the somatic condition was at a minimum from April to June, when the gonadosomatic index reached its highest values. The maximum average gonadosomatic index in females was four times higher than that of males. Specimens achieved maturity during the spawning season the year following birth at a minimum average total length of 45 mm for males and 60 mm for females. Fecundity was related to fish weight, total length and gonad weight. The overall sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1.     

台湾海峡中部日本鲭产卵群体生物学特征的初步研究

根据2010年春季对台湾海峡中部日本鲭的生物学测定数据及怀卵量计数结果,对其产卵群体的生物学特征进行了研究.结果表明：日本鲭产卵群体性比符合1∶1的雌雄性比关系;叉长范围212.00～271.00 mm,平均244.76 mm,优势组230.00～260.00 mm;雌鱼最小性成熟叉长225.00 mm,雄鱼最小性成熟叉长221.00 mm;体质量范围110.99～242.00 g,平均170.97 g,优势组130.00～220.00 g.雌雄个体的性腺成熟度均以Ⅳ～Ⅴ期为主,摄食强度均较高,雌鱼平均摄食强度为2.00,雄鱼平均摄食强度为2.25;雌鱼的平均摄食强度随性腺成熟度的提高呈下降趋势,而雄鱼正好相反;在达到完全性成熟前,雌雄鱼的性腺指数GSI都随着性腺的发育而增加,雌鱼的平均性腺指数GSI略高于雄鱼;绝对怀卵量5.283 5万～16.884 7万粒,平均10.405 0万±0.611 8万粒;叉长相对怀卵量227～625粒/mm,平均423±22粒/mm.随着叉长的增加,怀卵量也持续增加.叉长250.00 mm以上个体怀卵量相对于250.00 mm以下个体出现大幅增加趋势.与20世纪80年代研究结果相比,目前该海域日本鲭的大量性成熟年龄由2龄提前为1龄,最小性成熟年龄即为大量性成熟年龄;产卵群体年龄组成由1～5龄转变为1～2龄,优势组由2～3龄下降为1龄;产卵群体平均绝对怀卵量下降了33.23%.因此,为了保护该海域日本鲭资源并提高种群数量和年龄结构,应该首先制定合理的最小开捕叉长,同时在其春汛产卵期采取必要的休渔措施及在主要产卵场设立保护区.     

Describing gonad development and gametogenesis in southern Africa’s endemic box jellyfish Carybdea branchi (Cubozoa,Carybdeidae)

Information on the reproductive development of species of box jellyfish (class Cubozoa) is poor globally, despite their significance as potent stingers and worrying projections about range expansions. While most species are confined to tropical and subtropical waters, the South African box jellyfish Carybdea branchi is commonly found in the cold-water (especially southern) Benguela ecosystem. Its biology is unknown. Here, we examine reproductive development and describe gametogenesis in this dioecious species. Four and five maturity classes were determined for males and females, respectively, as well as five oocyte developmental stages. Oocyte sizes differed significantly between developmental stages. Mature and immature medusae differed significantly in size, but males and females did not. Individuals matured at approximately 30 mm average bell dimensions. Carybdea branchi displayed gonadal development characteristic of a semelparous organism.     

Analysis of the Black-Sea climatic fields below the main pycnocline obtained on the basis of assimilation of the archival data on temperature and salinity in the numerical hydrodynamic model

We study model climatic temperature and salinity fields and the fields of currents in the 350–1000-m layer. The following specific features are revealed: Colder waters are observed in the regions with anticyclonic vorticity. At the same time, warmer waters are detected in the regions with cyclonic vorticity. This temperature effect can be explained by the elevation of temperature with depth below the main pycnocline. In the region of the Sevastopol anticyclone, at depths greater than 500 m, we observe a zone of cyclonic rotation of waters. Near the Caucasian coast, in the region of Gelendzhik, we reveal a narrow jet current existing at a depth of 350 m from March till July. Translated from Morskoi Gidrofizicheskii Zhurnal, No. 1, pp.3–15, January–February, 2009.     

The life history of the giant octopus Octopus magnificus in South African waters

Octopus magnificus is a regular bycatch of traps set for spiny lobsters and bottom trawls for Cape hakes Merluccius spp. on the continental shelf of South Africa. Octopuses were collected from rocky substrata (traps) and soft sediments (research trawls) during a three-year period (2002–2005) and over a wide geographical and depth range to investigate their basic biological and life-history characteristics. Octopuses collected from trawl nets were smaller than those from traps. Males from traps and trawl nets were larger than females, with males being more frequently caught in traps than females. Size distributions were seasonally cyclical, increasing from a small mean size in the austral winter to a peak in summer, and receding during autumn. No mature females were found on soft sediments. The female gonadosomatic index peaked during summer, and sperm were found in oviducts year-round. Males reached 50% maturity at a weight of 4.6kg compared with 5.8kg in females. Mature females produced up to 10 000 medium-to-large (4–9mm maximum length) eggs, and potential fecundity was positively related to female body and ovary weight. Feeding rates were highest in trap-caught octopuses and gut contents consisted mainly of bait, spiny lobsters and teleosts (mainly jacopever Helicolenus dactylopterus). The gut contents of trawl-caught octopuses consisted mainly of crustaceans (84%), mostly portunid crabs but no spiny lobsters, teleosts (15%) and molluscs (1%). The results suggest that O. magnificus has a short (c. 1 year) lifespan, with winter/spring recruitment, a summer spawning peak, and post-spawning mortality in autumn. Alternatively, the species may have a longer lifespan with seasonal migrations between rocky and soft substrata.     

Reproductive patterns of the abyssal asteroid Styracaster elongatus from the N.E. Atlantic Ocean

We analysed the reproductive biology of the asteroid species Styracaster elongatus based on time-series samples from a 5000-m-deep site on the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (N.E. Atlantic). The ratio of males to females, the gonadosomatic index (GI), and pyloric caecum index (PCI) were determined and the results were corroborated by histological examination of the gonads. Fecundity and oocyte-size distribution were determined by histological and image analyses. Styracaster elongatus is a gonochoric asteroid and the ratio of males to females was not significantly different throughout the year. Oogenesis was asynchronous. The previtellogenic oocytes grew to a size of ～230 μm before undergoing vitellogenesis. Maximum oocyte size was ～620 μm. The ovary volume was mainly occupied by small previtellogenic oocytes (100–150 μm) at any one time. Mean GI was 6.38±3.30 for females and 9.04±4.1 for males. Mean PCI was 7.44±1.66 for females and 7.66±1.46 for males. Mean fecundity was 16,373±5988 oocites per female. There were no seasonal variations in GI and fecundity. There was evidence of a pyiloric caecum seasonal development for females and males. For S. elongatus there is no direct relationship among seasonal primary production at the surface and production of vitellogenic oocytes. Nevertheless, this species takes advantage of the pulse of phytodetritus to the seabed by increasing the storage of nutrients in the pyloric caecum in order to maintain a constant production of eggs and sperm.     

Annual gametogenesis and reproductive effort of the limpet <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cellana grata</Emphasis> (Gould, 1859) (Gastropoda: Nacellidae) in a rocky intertidal beach at Ulleungdo Island off the east coast of Korea

Widely distributed from the northern coast of Vietnam to the northern Japan, the limpet Cellana grata (Gould, 1859) occurs commonly on the south and east coasts of Korea. Despite their wide distribution range, few studies have investigated the annual gametogenesis and reproductive effort of C. grata. In an attempt to understand the reproductive physiology of the limpet, we investigated the annual gametogenesis and reproductive effort of C. grata from Ulleungdo Island off the east coast of Korea. Histology revealed that the gonial mitosis commenced in January, as the female exhibited small oogonia (10–40 μm) in the follicle. From March to June, the oocyte size increased dramatically, and fully mature eggs (110–170 μm in diameter) appeared in early summer. First spawning males and females were observed in July, as the surface seawater temperature (SST) reached 22.1°C. The spawning male and females could be observed until the end of December. Gonad somatic index (GSI), a ratio of gonad mass to the total tissue weight, of the male ranged from 0.6 (April) to 17.9 (July), while the female GSI varied from 1.0 (February) to 18.3 (July). GSI of male and female declined rapidly from July to August, suggesting that the major purse of the spawning at the study site was between July and August. Our study suggested that the commercial catch of C. grata during July and August must be suspended at Ulleungdo Island, in order to protect the spawning limpets, which enhances C. grata recruitment and the population.     

Reproductive resilience of ice‐dependent Antarctic silverfish in a rapidly changing system along the Western Antarctic Peninsula

The Western Antarctic Peninsula (wAP) is globally one of the systems most heavily impacted by climate change, notably steep declines in sea ice extent. In forage species, reproductive resilience to change is particularly important because population fluctuations are rapidly communicated through the system via trophic interactions. The reproductive traits of the ice‐dependent forage species Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarctica) from different areas along the wAP and at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula were investigated through macroscopic and histological analyses of gonads, with the aim to assess its reproductive potential and to test for spatial differences in fecundity and spawning season. Fish samples were collected in late summer off Charcot Island, in Marguerite Bay and off Joinville Island; no fish were caught in the central wAP. Samples from Charcot Island and Marguerite Bay consisted of adults in developing gonad stage, whereas those from Joinville consisted almost exclusively of juveniles. Mean GSI was relatively low (2–3%) and similar in both sexes, as specimens were still far from being actively reproducing. Developing females exhibited two discrete, though partially overlapping modes of oocytes of different size, with vitellogenic oocytes measuring 0.5–1.0 mm. Absolute and relative fecundity ranged between 3000 and 12,000 eggs per female and between 80 and 190 eggs·g^?1, with a strong relationship between absolute fecundity and body size. These results were consistent with a single population at Charcot Island and Marguerite Bay and indicated substantial reproductive potential, which may mitigate population isolation and reductions in habitat availability but cannot ultimately offset catastrophic loss of spawning habitat linked to sea‐ice retreat.     

Reproduction of the giant jellyfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nemopilema nomurai</Emphasis> (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae), in 2006–2008 as peripherally-transported populations

This study investigated the sexual maturation process, release of spermatozoa or eggs and oocyte diameter of the rhizostomid medusae Nemopilema nomurai using samples collected from August 2006 to June 2008 from the waters around Korea and Japan, including peripheral areas outside the species’ usual habitat. Immature medusae were observed from June to October only in the western sector of the study area. The onset of spermatozoa and egg release occurred in September and October, respectively, and peaked in December and January. Medusae migrated eastward from source areas with the Tsushima Warm Current, where they formed gametes and spawned. Peak position and maximum oocyte diameter increased as the gonads developed according to the size-frequency distribution of oocytes. No fertilized eggs or embryos were found in the gonads. The correlation was analyzed with bell diameter, maximum oocyte diameter, sampling date, surface water temperature and gonad color to estimate which environmental factors and maturation indices were related to the maturation stage of females. Maturation stage correlated well with maximum oocyte diameter, which correlated negatively with surface water temperature. There was no significant correlation between bell diameter and maturation stage. Therefore, bell diameter was inappropriate for determining maturation index. Sex could not be distinguished clearly by gonad color. However, light pink gonads were more prevalent in males and various deep colors such as orange and brown were more frequent in female medusae.     

Aspects of the biology and fisheries of an economically important sparid Dentex macrophthalmus (Bloch 1791) in the Namibe province,Angola

The sparid Dentex macrophthalmus is a widespread, important fishery species along most of the West African coast from southern Namibia to the Mediterranean. In southern Angola it is an important artisanal species targeted predominantly by handline fishers. A biological and fisheries study was conducted on this species in southern Angola between June 2008 and July 2009. It was the dominant species in the artisanal fishery, accounting for 99% of the sparids captured and 67% (by mass) of the total catch. The life history of D. macrophthalmus was characterised by slow growth (females: L_t = 309[1 ? e^{?0.06(t + 5.43)}], males: L_t = 248[1 ? e^{?0.16(t ? 1.77)}]), advanced age at maturity (females: 7.4 years, males: 6.0 years) and high longevity (females: 36 years, males: 38 years). The sex ratio was 1:1 male:female. The length- and age-frequency distributions and macroscopic observations suggested that the species is a late gonochorist. Males and females reached 50% maturity at 151 and 166 mm fork length respectively. Although individuals with ripe gonads were found during most of the year, the peak spawning period appeared to be in December and January. Despite a life history that renders D. macrophthal-mus vulnerable to overexploitation, only 38% of artisanal fishers noticed a decline in the catches of this species. Potential reasons for this include: technology creep; limited pressure on the juvenile portion of the stock as a result of late recruitment (above the length of 50% maturity); the ‘basin affect’, whereby depleted areas are reseeded by areas (e.g. deeper water) inaccessible to the linefishery; and a deep-water reserve of large individuals. It is recommended that precautionary management strategies be implemented until the age estimates are revised by the countries in which this species forms significant fisheries.     

Simulation of the Circulation and Space Structure of Thermohaline Fields in the Sevastopol Bay with Regard for the Actual External Data (Winter, 1997)

We discuss the results of the numerical experiment aimed at the simulation of the behavior of currents and transformations of the temperature and salt modes in the Sevastopol Bay in January–February 1997. In the numerical analysis, we use actual data on the velocity and direction of the wind, sea surface temperature, and the discharge of River Chernaya. It is shown that the circulation and structure of hydrological fields are mainly connected with the direction of the wind, its intensity, and variability in the course of time. Since the analyzed water area is shallow, the currents inside the bay undergo rapid transformations (less than for an hour after changes in the wind). At the same time, the transformations of the thermohaline fields are slower. Due to the inflow of fresh waters of River Chernaya and salt waters from the open sea through the strait, the structure of thermohaline fields formed in the bay is nonuniform (both in the vertical and horizontal directions). The distribution of salinity plays the main role in the formation of the vertical stratification, which is natural for the winter season. Due to the process of freshening of water, a quite high vertical salinity gradient is formed in the upper layer of the sea. As a result, the process of cooling does not lead to the appearance of convection and inversions of temperature are formed in the case where warmer waters are located in the bottom layers. __________ Translated from Morskoi Gidrofizicheskii Zhurnal, No. 2, pp. 60–76, March–April, 2005.