Developmental and functional abnormalities of the reproductive system of fishes as an indicator of anthropogenic impacts on their habitat and the state of environmental health

Abstract

Developmental and functional abnormalities of the reproductive system of fishes are examined in connection with the changes in conditions of their existence, in particular, the anthropogenic influence. The author’s own data and literature sources on abnormalities of gametogenesis and gonadogenesis in a number of sturgeon species in relation to anthropogenic pressure on the water bodies are analyzed, and their systematization is performed. It is shown that these abnormalities, which are disorders of the stability of development, can serve as indicators of the environmental health.