Variability of the food potential of the Kerch strait and the black sea pre-strait zone as a prospective area for the development of mollusks Mariculture

Abstract

Based on the data of integrated observations, the variability of phytoplankton, the amount of suspended organic matter and zooplankton of the pelagic zone of the Kerch Strait and the pre-strait zone of the Black Sea is considered. The algal flora of the entire Black Sea, the Kerch Strait and the pre-strait is characterized by the predominance of diatoms over pyridineas (pyrrophytes or dinoflagellates). The study of the species range, number and biomass of the phytoplankton community during several periods of the year showed that its dynamics is largely dependent on seasonal weather changes (climate). In the process of phytoplankton development, several phases of autogenic succession were revealed. It is expressed in a sequential change in phytoplankton forms, changes in its abundance and biomass typical of the eastern shelf of the Black Sea. The zooplankton community of the Kerch Strait is represented by micro-, meso- and macro- zooplankton typical of the Black Sea. Microzooplankton is represented by zooflagellates and protozoa, as well as by early larval stages of planktonic crustaceans, apendicularia and mollusks. Its total biomass averages about 80 mg/m3.The above analysis of the collected material allows us to conclude that the distribution of suspended matter and larvae is related primarily to the peculiarities of water circulation in the strait. In the case of low concentrations of larvae, the dynamic factor can be decisive in the process of sedimentation intensity. The amounts of suspended matter can reach 20 mg/m3, which is 2-3 times higher than on average for the Black Sea. It further demonstrates the high productivity of waters and the prospects of the latter to be the area for commercial growing of mussels.