Quantitative indicators and trophic structure of zooplankton in different types of shallow water zone in Meshinsky Bay (Kuibyshev Reservoir)

Abstract

The trophic structure and quantitative characteristics of zooplankton in four shallow water areas of Meshinsky Bay of Kuibyshev Reservoir were studied in the summer and autumn seasons. The sites differed in their protection from wind and wave impacts, and in intensity of macrophyte overgrowth. The maximum species richness of zooplankters feeding in the water column was observed in open and vegetation-free shallow water and foraging from the surface of the substrate in closed areas, overgrown mainly with one type of submerged plant. The highest quantitative indicators of zooplankton in all areas were observed in summer. Regardless of the season, the maximum abundance and biomass of communities was observed in protected shallow water in thickets of Potamogeton lucens L. This is associated with the density of vegetation cover protecting invertebrates from predation by fish.