Distribution of macrophyte resources near the Dzhangul coast of the Crimean Peninsula

Based on hydrobotanical studies carried out in summer 2013 within key areas of the protected water area of the "Coastal-aquatic complex (CAC) near the Dzhangul landslide coast" nature monument, the resource components of macrophytobenthos and dominant algae species were studied. It was revealed that the geological and geomorphologic structure of the coastal zone of the studied area determines certain features of the bottom vegetation distribution, as well as the species composition of macrophytes and their quantitative indicators. Typical sequence of plant communities, associated with just increasing depth and decreasing light and wave intensity, was observed on the abrasive shores of the area. The abrasive-landslide seashores of the upper shoreface slope are characterized by varying steepness and slope exposure. Apart from edificators, the mosaic groups of deep-sea and seasonal-winter algae species are typical for the composition of phytocenoses there. According to the calculated data, the total reserves of macrophytobenthos in the water area from the Maly Kastel Bay to the Dzhangul area are estimated at 866.75 t, of which Cystoseira species account for 596.62 t and Phyllophora for 50.34 t. Characteristically, the resources of bottom vegetation and reserves of Cystoseira species in the area of the Maly Kastel Bay – the Ternovaya gully are respectively 1,3 and 1,2 times higher, and those of Phyllophora crispa 1,1 times lower than the same indicators for the Ternovaya gully – the Dzhangul area, which could be explained by specific features of the geological and geomorphologic structure of these areas. During the period from 1965 to 2013, a decrease in the reserves of bottom vegetation and key algae species was revealed. The most pronounced negative transformation was identified in the lower sublittoral zone, which may be due to the complex impact of both natural factors and increasing trophic capacity of water near the Black Sea coast. Nevertheless, the "CAC near the Dzhangul landslide coast" nature monument is characterized by high values of the resource component of macrophytes and a significant degree of preservation of Cystoseira and Phyllophora phytocenoses. The area is a certain reserve of Phyllophora crispa at the western coast of the Crimean Peninsula, which is included in the Red Books of the Russian Federation and the Crimea.

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