Year: 2021, Number: 1, Pages: 31-50
The article presents an analysis of the species composition, quantitative characteristics and trophic structure indices of macrozoobenthos dwelling on the coastal zone of the Nature Reserve «Swan Islands» (the Black Sea). The data obtained are important for monitoring studies in protected areas. Samples were taken at one section located perpendicular to the shore and consisting of five stations: water edge, below the edge on 2 m (depth 0,2 m); on 4 m (depth 0,5 m); on 6 m (depth 0,9 m); on 8 m. (depth 1 m.). Representatives of macrozoobenthos are registered, belonging to 5 types: Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nemertea, Annelida, Arthropoda. Polychaeta and Malacostraca identified to species. The number minimum of species were observed on depth 0 m, the maximum – on depth 0,5 m. The average abundance and biomass of macrozoobenthos are 6923 ± 464 ind./m2 and 8,43 ± 3,99 g/m2, respectively. Assessment of the significance of the species by the density index made it possible to determine leaders: crustaceans Lekanesphaera hookeri (Leach, 1814), Crassicorophium crassicorne (Bruzelius, 1859) and the polychaete Glycera tridactyla Schmarda, 1861. The trophic structure of macrozoobenthos is represented by phyto-, detritus, polyphages, and carnivorous organisms. Community Lekanesphaera hookeri (Leach, 1814) highlighted. 5 chief, 5 characteristic and 14 rare species were noted.