UDC

574.587(268.46)

Authors

Sergey N. Artem’ev*/**, Aleksandr P. Novoselov*, Aleksandr L. Levitskiy*
*Northern Branch of Knipovich Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography (Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation)
**Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov (Arkhangelsk, Russian Federation)
Corresponding author: Sergey Artem’ev, address: ul. Uritskogo, 17, Arkhangelsk, 163002, Russian Federation; е-mail: Artemm_1988@mail.ru

Abstract

The paper describes a macrozoobenthos species composition in the Dvina Bay of the White Sea, which is characterized by a high species and taxonomic diversity. It includes 89 taxa belonging to 9 types and 13 classes (subclasses). Nematodes and Chordates are singly represented as a part of zoobenthos samples by the number of species and supraspecific taxa. Sipunculida include 1 class – Sipunculoidea. Nemertea are represented by two taxa. Cnidaria include 2 classes with 2 taxa in each one; Hydrozoa and Anthozoa are among them. Echinoderms consist of 1 class – Ophiuroidea, which combine 3 taxa. Arthropoda are characterized by a significant number of taxa (1 class, 14 species and supraspecific taxa). The subdominant group is represented by annelids (24 species and supraspecific taxa). As a dominant group, molluscs (37 species and supraspecific taxa) are represented by Bivalvia (22 species and supraspecific taxa, including 1 egg laying), Gastropoda (14 species and supraspecific taxa) and Caudofoveata (1 species). The specific species diversity of the benthic community in the Dvina Bay of the White Sea characterizes it as a water body with good feeding potential for benthophage commercial fish. The maximum number of zoobenthos taxa is found in clayey bottom sediments, and the minimum amount ‒ in silty sands. The data obtained can be useful for the environmental impact assessment (EIA), integrated programs for the White Sea environmental monitoring, Russian and international projects in the conservation of aquatic ecosystems biodiversity, and for developing practical recommendations of the rational use of fishery basins.

Keywords

Dvina Bay of the White Sea, macrozoobenthos of the White Sea, macrozoobenthos diversity

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