Current State of Rare and Endangered Barbels of the Genus Luciobarbus Heckel, 1843 in the Aral–Syrdarya Basin (Kazakhstan) and Prospects for Their Conservation (A Review)

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In recent years, Kazakhstan has entered a period of rapid economic development, which will definitely lead to an increase in the anthropogenic pressure on natural resources. Subsequently, adequate measures must be taken to reduce the anthropogenic impact on natural resources, including the ichthyofauna. Therefore, the barbel was included in the Red Book of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2008. Stocks of commercial fish valuable in the past such as barbels in the Aral–Syrdarya basin are now catastrophically reduced as a result of the anthropogenic impact on the ichthyofauna and natural environment of the Aral Sea region. Currently, the only way to restore the number of barbels is artificial reproduction, in order to preserve biodiversity and restore stocks of this valuable species in the natural environment and aquaculture. ABSTRACT: The current status of the barbels inhabiting the Kazakhstan section of the Syrdarya River needs special study, as has been noted since the second half of the 20th century. Stocks of commercial fish valuable in the past as barbels in the Aral–Syrdarya basin are now catastrophically reduced as a result of anthropogenic impact on the ichthyofauna and natural environment of the Aral Sea region. The study of the condition; abundance and distribution range is necessary to determine measures for their restoration in natural habitats and their breeding in fish farms. Research on the biotechnology of barbel breeding with subsequent acclimatization and reacclimatization of these fish species will not only improve the composition of the ichthyofauna of the Aral–Syrdarya basin, but also preserve the genetic potential of natural populations. At present, the only way to restore the population of the Aral barbel is stocking hatchery reared juveniles in natural environments. Under the current situation, a way forward is seen in the creation of domesticated replacement-broodstocks of barbels. As a result of the influence of anthropogenic factors, the populations of this species have come to almost complete degradation and depletion and require the development and adoption of urgent measures for their conservation and restoration through reintroduction, which is a priority and urgent task for the fisheries of the republic.