Long - term variations in macrobenthos diversity at the Istanbul Strait’s (Bosporus) outlet area of the Black Sea
Mazlumyan, S.; Boltachova, N. (2017). Long - term variations in macrobenthos diversity at the Istanbul Strait’s (Bosporus) outlet area of the Black Sea. Ecologica Montenegrina 14: 80-91
In: Ecologica Montenegrina. Centre for Biodiversity of Montenegro: Podgorica. e-ISSN 2336-9744, more
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| Author keywords |
oxic/anoxic interface; macrobenthos distribution; biotopes at border of the hydrogen sulfide area; Black Sea |
| Authors | | Top |
- Mazlumyan, S.
- Boltachova, N.
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| Abstract |
This work continues a series of studies on deep-water benthos in the Istanbul Strait’s (Bosporus) outlet area of the Black Sea, conducted within the framework of the EU 7th FP project HYPOX (In situ monitoring of oxygen depletion in hypoxic ecosystems of coastal and open seas, and land-locked water bodies) EC Grant 226213. The aim of that study was the analysis of long-term changes in diversity and structure of the benthic fauna inhabiting the depth zone where the oxic/anoxic interface zone meets the sea floor. Time comparison interval covers the period from 1958 to 2010. In general, the diversity or densities of macrozoobenthos were positively related with environmental factors such as sediment, depth and oxygen concentration. Outcome of the long- term environmental degradation period was the loss of diversity. Macrobenthos communities Terebellides stroemi – Amphiura stepanovi and Modiolula phaseolina essentially rebuilt its structure. Unstable hydrodynamics and oxygen depletion are two crucial factors of decrease diversity in T. stroemi – A. stepanovi community. The species composition of M. phaseolinacommunity at the border of the hydrogen sulfide area is distinct from those dwelling in oxic areas of the Black Sea. Living organisms of macrobenthos were not found at the oxygen content near 12 μmol L-1 (160 m). This confirms that oxygen depletion at great depths is the limiting factor of life in the Black Sea. During MSM/15-cruise (2010) was found a large species of the polychaete Sabella pavonina(Savigny, 1822). This species was new record for the Black Sea. |
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