The role of regulating the Volga river flow and the influence of anthropogenic impact on aquatic ecosystems of the Astrakhan region

The regional problems of the Astrakhan region on the example of Western ilmenno-bugrovy district have considered in the article. The choice of this topic is the fact that the analysis of long-term research of aquatic ecosystems - areas located in prodeltaic areas marked catastrophic changes of most components of the landscape under the influence of anthropogenic load, which leads to the violation of their integrity, weakening the potential and even the complete disappearance. The hydrological status of all types of watercourses, especially “podstepny ilmen’s” (locally called lakes) are of particular concern. This is because the livelihoods of the local population are directly connected with the water, as it is the main support system and source of drinking water and habitat of the organic world. Significant damage to the water supply in the region is associated with the regulation of the Volga flow, which led to the violation of the hydrological regime of the Lower Volga region, especially in estuarine areas. This fact has led to a sharp shortage of drinking water, a significant reduction of water in the ilmenite, the area of agricultural land that resulted from the intensification of the processes of drying and salinization of ilmenite and their further degradation. The authors note that continued use of under-steppe areas will result in the complete degradation of ilmenite and enhancing the human pressure are the main cause of death of unique component of the landscape - “ilmen”. Therefore, the authors have taken the liberty to develop and submit a plan of measures aimed at prevention of negative consequences of anthropogenesis and improve the ecological environment of the Western under-steppe of ilmenite. The implementation of these measures will allow in the future to restore the ecological balance of the studied ecosystem.