Species composition and distribution of summer ichthyoplankton in Chupa Estuary (Kandalaksha Bay of the White Sea)

On the basis of ichthyoplankton surveys performed in July 2002 and June 2004–2005 in Chupa Estuary and adjacent waters of Kandalaksha Bay, species composition and distribution of eggs and larvae of fish were studied. Early stages of development of seven fish species were found in the composition of ichthyoplankton. The bulk of abundance of ichthyoplankton was formed of Clupea pallasii marisalbi larvae. It was shown that the sites of aggregation of larval C. pallasii marisalbi from June to July are constant and located in the central and preestuarine areas of Chupa Estuary. Possible routes of their passive migrations within Chupa Estuary and the adjacent water area of Kandalaksha Bay are considered. It is suggested that the drift of larvae beyond the estuary proceeds slowly, and after hatching they can long stay in the estuary concentrating in its central and preestuarine areas.