Meiobenthic Assemblages of the Laspi Bay (Crimea, Black Sea): Taxonomic Diversity and Quantitative Development

Abstract

: It is known that degassing processes are currently observed in the underwater part of the beach zone of Laspi Bay (the southern coast of Crimea). The site of gas emissions (methane) is confined to the coastal part of the bay and located at a distance of 15.0 – 40.0 m from the coastline. Data on the taxonomic richness and quantitative development of meiobenthos in Laspi Bay (2017) are presented for the first time in this study. The meiobenthic assemblages of the studied area was very diverse including representatives of 24 high taxa from Protozoa and Metazoa (phylum, class, order). The most numerous group at almost all stations was the free-living nematodes. The taxonomic richness by station did not reveal any noticeable variability, including 12 to 18 faunal groups, while an unevenness of spatial distribution in the density of meiobenthic settlements was clearly expressed. Minimum values of 63.2×103–72.9×103 ind./m2 were noted in the seaward zone, and maximum values of 1368×103–2051×103 ind./m2 in the eastern coast where localized methane degassing areas were observed.