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This article presents the results of studies of the cyanobacteria from foulings of natural and anthropogenic substrates of the intertidal zone of the Kola Bay of the Barents Sea for the period from 2010 to 2019. Ninety-five cyanobacterial species from 46 genera, 20 families, and 6 orders were found; 22 species are given for the first time for the Barents Sea. A majority of cyanobacterial taxa belong to benthic species (70%), which live mainly on natural substrates. The species abundance decreases from the lower intertidal zone to the supralittoral. The proportion of planktonic and bento-planktonic species was 12% and 18%, respectively. Freshwater (44%), marine (37%), brackish-water (3%), and euryhaline (16%) species have been found in the intertidal zone of the bay. The study has revealed 27 indicator species; most of them were oligo- and oligo-betamezosaprobionts. The cyanobacteria of the Kola Bay were predominantly boreal-tropical-notal (26%), cosmopolitan (23%), and boreal (18%) species. Peaks of the number of species were recorded in the early spring (March) and autumn (October). Areas with increased anthropogenic pressure from seaport cities showed the lowest index of species similarity.

A new fruticulose species, Polycauliona comandorica, is described from the supralittoral zone of the Commander Islands in the Russian Far East. This growth form is very rare in the family Teloschistaceae where the new species belongs. It is the only fruticulose species of the family that forms vegetative propagules (soredia and blastidia). Polycauliona comandorica is similar to the North American P. thamnodes but differs in having a lighter yellow to grey thallus, longer and thicker branches with a rough surface, soredia and blastidia, and in lacking apothecia. Two fruticulose-lobate pairs of species in Polycauliona are briefly discussed: P. comandorica-P. verruculifera and P. thamnodes-P. brattiae.

Mangrove forests are ecosystems that constitute a large portion of the world's coastline and span tidal zones below, between, and above the waterline, and the ecosystem as a whole is defined by the health of these tidal microhabitats. However, we are only beginning to understand tidal-zone microbial biodiversity and the role of these microbiomes in nutrient cycling. While extensive research has characterized microbiomes in pristine vs. anthropogenically impacted mangroves, these have, largely, overlooked differences in tidal microhabitats (sublittoral, intertidal, and supralittoral). Unfortunately, the small number of studies that have sought to characterize mangrove tidal zones have occurred in impacted biomes, making interpretation of the results difficult. Here, we characterized prokaryotic populations and their involvement in nutrient cycling across the tidal zones of a pristine mangrove within a Brazilian Environmental Protection Area of the Atlantic Forest. We hypothesized that the tidal zones in pristine mangroves are distinct microhabitats, which we defined as distinct regions that present spatial variations in the water regime and other environmental factors, and as such, these are composed of different prokaryotic communities with distinct functional profiles. Samples were collected in triplicate from zones below, between, and above the tidal waterline. Using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing, we found distinct prokaryotic communities with significantly diverse nutrient-cycling functions, as well as specific taxa with varying contributions to functional abundances between zones. Where previous research from anthropogenically impacted mangroves found the intertidal zone to have high prokaryotic diversity and be functionally enriched in nitrogen cycling, we find that the intertidal zone from pristine mangroves has the lowest diversity and no functional enrichment, relative to the other tidal zones. The main bacterial phyla in all samples were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Chloroflexi while the main archaeal phyla were Crenarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota. Our results differ slightly from other studies where Proteobacteria is the main phyla in mangrove sediments and Firmicutes makes up only a small percentage of the communities. Salinity and organic matter were the most relevant environmental factors influencing these communities. Bacillaceae was the most abundant family at each tidal zone and showed potential to drive a large proportion of the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Our findings suggest that some aspects of mangrove tidal zonation may be compromised by human activity, especially in the intertidal zone.

Herein, we investigated for the first time the microbiota from the hepatopancreas of the talitrid amphipod Orchestia montagui and the oniscidean isopod Tylos ponticus, two crustacean species associated with beached leaves of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica (Posidonia banquette). We carried out a metabarcoding analysis based on several hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. At the same time, three representative habitats of the supralittoral zone, namely leaf surface of Posidonia banquette, sandy shore and surface seawater were examined by means of bacterial metabarcoding analysis. Our data analyses indicated that the bacterial microbiota from the hepatopancreas and that from the marine habitats form distinct groups in terms of the taxonomic composition. Comparative analyses revealed that some bacteria were associated with the hepatopancreas of the syntopic O. montagui and T. ponticus but were not detected in the supralittoral habitats. This suggests that distinct components of the microbial community may be uniquely adapted within the hepatopancreas. The microbiota from the hepatopancreas of O. montagui was more complex than that of T. ponticus. However, the putative presence of polysaccharide-degrading bacteria in both species indicated symbiotic microbiomes that might be involved in the functionality of the hepatopancreas. A deeper understanding of halophilic hepatopancreatic symbionts in the supralittoral zone also has broad relevance to applied research, particularly to the biotechnological sector related to marine biomass conversion.

Complete lists of biota are the scientific foundation on which studies of the regional biological diversity are based. Considering the emergence of a new classification scheme of cyanoprokaryotes, there is a need to revise the species composition of Cyanobacteria of various biotopes. The article describes the flora of Cyanobacteria of the Meganom Peninsula (eastern Crimea). Taking into account the latest nomenclature-taxonomic changes, 44 species of Cyanobacteria were listed for the supralittoral zone of the protected area of the peninsula. Species are representatives of 23 genera, 15 families, 5 orders and 2 subclasses. A fifth part of the species list consists of rare and endangered species that need protection. A complex of the leading species of the marine supralittoral zone of the Meganom Peninsula was identified; species, which are indicators of saprobity, were determined, and the algal community saprobity index was calculated (S = 0,9). The supralittoral microalgoflora is characterized by the predominance of attached benthic species and complex of marine and brackish-water forms. The prevalence of cosmopolitans and wide-range boreal-tropical species highlight the azonality of the biotope of the marine rocky supralittoral zone.

Phototrophic biofilm and microbial mat communities grow along the rocky coastline of the Maltese islands. This research involved studying phototrophs from the mediolittoral and supralittoral zones over a two-year period and seasonal changes were observed. Attachment of pioneer microorganisms to the porous eroded limestone bedrock was facilitated via a gelatinous matrix composed of exopolymeric substances (EPS). In submerged areas, such as undisturbed rock pools, these progressively formed green or brown compact biofilms, some of which thickened over the spring to form microbial mats via the production of more extensive EPS layers. Microbial mats gradually attained a lighter colouration due to the presence of ultraviolet (UV) screening pigments. In full summer, they were observed to shrink, detach from the exposed substrate, harden and progressively calcify. Biofilm microorganisms survived the harsh summer months in sheltered areas. The major biofilm formers were filamentous non-heterocytous cyanobacteria belonging to the Leptolyngbyaceae, Pseudanabaenaceae and Oscillatoriaceae. Their sheaths were thick, lamellated and often confluent. A higher biodiversity of phototrophs was observed in late autumn and winter, when tufts of heterocytous Calothrix sp. grew on thin compact biofilms of Nodosilinea sp., Toxifilum sp. and Phormidesmis spp., while Lyngbya spp. trichomes were surrounded by thick brown sheaths. Germlings of green and brown macroalgal species belonging to Ulva, Cladophora and Sphacelaria were embedded in biofilms and microbial mats and gradually grew to form extensive macroalgal covers submerged in rock pools. Erythrotrichia sp. filaments colonised the mediolittoral zone and were confined to areas that were exposed to wave action and submerged intermittently. Over the summer, macroalgal coverage diminished and microalgal biofilms and microbial mats prevailed in rock pools.

In spite of the generally high interest to ecosystems of high latitudes, there is not a single mite species list for any Arctic coastal location yet. Mesostigmatic mites are diverse and abundant in invertebrate littoral communities, while in the sea wrack, they are a dominant mite group. We studied these mites in different coastal habitats in the forested tundra landscape in the vicinity of Murmansk, Kola Bay, Barents Sea (68° 55′ N, 33° 02′ E). Altogether, 31 species from 21 genera and 12 families are recorded. This species number is only half to ¾ of that of the coastal species richness within the taiga zone of the Murmansk Region, White Sea coasts. Along the vertical profile from the low littoral zone (Fucus spp.) to the supralittoral one (grass-forb meadow), both species diversity and abundance grow from 1 to 22 species and from 3 to 170–450 ind. dm−2, respectively. About 1/3 of the species show vast distributions, but 40% species are amphi-Atlantic or European. No truly Arctic species were found, an Arcto-Montane+Arcto-Boreal+Boreal fraction of the fauna was very small (19%), and half of the species demonstrating polyzonal patterns. From an ecological point of view, the fauna is rather specialized, since 29% species are halobiontic seashore residents, while 39% are common dwellers of humid meadows and bogs. Winter populations of mites belonging to the family Halolaelapidae are represented mainly by deutonymphs, but populations of Cheiroseius spp. (family Blattisocidae) include mostly females. Similarities between the coastal mite assemblages of the study transect are primarily determined by hypsometric levels, but no principal differences in the mite communities of vegetation parcels within individual levels are found.

A checklist of the northwestern Black Sea supralittoral fauna is presented. It includes 18 species: Ophelia bicornis, Namanereis pontica, Cryptorchestia cf. garbinii, Deshayesorchestia deshayesii, Orchestia montagui, Orchestia gammarellus, Orchestia montagui, Armadilloniscus ellipticus, Halophiloscia cf. couchii, Ligia italica, Tylos ponticus, Chthamalus stellatus, Microeuraphia depressa, Thalassomyia frauenfeldi, Donacilla cornea, Myosotella myosotis, Truncatella subcylindrica, and Melarhaphe neritoides. This paper provides distribution maps for this species in the northwestern Black Sea, based on field studies. The changes that occurred in species composition are discussed. The regional IUCN categories are proposed.

Complete lists of biota are the scientific foundation on which studies of the regional biological diversity are based. Modern research based on new methods and approaches has contributed to formation of a new classification scheme of Cyanobacteria, which reveals the evolutionary history of the group. In this context, there is a need to revise data on the species composition of Cyanobacteria of various biotopes, which is especially important for protected areas. The article presents the results of the species composition revision of the supralittoral Cyanobacteria from the Nature Reserve “Cape Martyan” (de facto it has the status of a nature park now). The studies were carried out on the site of a natural boulder-block shore located directly on Cape Martyan, in the supralittoral zone of the sea. Updated list of Cyanobacteria from marine rocky supralittoral in the Nature Reserve “Cape Martyan” consists of 69 species. Species are representatives of 1 class, 2 subclasses, 6 orders, 18 families and 35 genera. The Oscillatoriaceae and Rivulariaceae families are represented the most diversely. Chroococcus, Lyngbya and Gloeocapsa dominate among the genera. The category of rare species includes 21 taxa, which makes up a third of the species list. Biological and ecological characteristics were given for the studied species. The supralittoral Cyanobacteria of Nature Reserve “Cape Martyan” is characterized by the predominance of attached benthic, benthic-soil and plankton-benthic forms, as well as marine and brackish-water forms, which is a typical feature of supralittoral microalgoflora. At the same time, the predominance of cosmopolitans and wide-range boreal-tropical species emphasizes the azonality of the biotope of the marine rocky supralittoral.

Uncodified intertidal marine habitats of the NWBS and nearby areas were inventory. Because of research, 17 new habitats were identified: “Pontic supralittoral rock with marine Diptera”, “Limestone pavement with supralittoral rockpools”, “Drainage of fresh water on the rocks”, “Diptera and Enchytraeidae on strandline”, “Pontic multispecies communities on strandline”, “Freshwater springs on the sandy beaches and associated pools”, “Long-existing pools and ponds with marine fauna on the sandy beach”, “Pontic mediolittoral granule with Saccocirrus papillocerus”, “Mediolittoral sands with Enchytraeidae”, “Pontic mediolittoral gravel with Donacilla cornea and Saccocirrus papillocerus”, “Pontic mediolittoral fine-medium sands with Pontogammarus maeoticus and bivalves”, “Pontic mediolittoral shelly gravel with crustaceans”, “Pontic soft rock beds with Barnea candida burrows”, “Pontic infralittoral coarse sediments with Rhodophyta”, “Pontic infralittoral sands with crustaceans”, “Pontic scoured sublittoral cobbles and pebbles with Mytilaster”, “Aggregation dead remnants of angiosperms in infralittoral zone”. Some of the selected habitats are covered by the less detailed “Bern” habitats “A2.2: Littoral sand and muddy sand”; “Bern” habitat “A3: Infralittoral rock and other hard substrata”; “Bern” habitat “A5: Sublittoral sediment”. These habitats should be protected for a long time by creating the Emerald Network of Ukraine. Selected habitats relatively well covered by protected areas, with the exception of those associated with soft rocks. The creation of protected areas covering these landscapes between Chornomorsk City and Tiligul Liman is necessary.

We report the first Hettangian theropod tracksite (~200 Ma) yielding a rich accumulation of plant remains from the Bleymard Strait (southern France). It constitutes an excellent opportunity to reconstruct lowermost Jurassic ecosystems hosting dinosaurs and which are still poorly documented in this area. Two morphotypes of tridactyl tracks are distinguished. They share similarities with Grallator and Kayentapus. Plant-bearing beds yield abundant leafy axes (Pagiophyllum peregrinum), male cones (Classostrobus sp.), wood (Brachyoxylon sp.) and pollen of conifers (Classopollis classoides). Sedimentological, petrological and mineralogical analyses demonstrated that, in the Dolomitic Formation from Bleymard, the palaeoenvironment progressively evolved from (1) a shoreface to a foreshore domain; to (2) a shallow environment that is restricted or occasionally open to the sea; then to (3) an intertidal to supratidal zone. The Hettangian theropod ecosystem of the Bleymard Strait was composed of tidal flats that were periodically emerged and bordered paralic environments inhabited by a littoral conifer-dominated forest in which Cheirolepidiaceae were the main component. The paucity of the palaeobotanical assemblage, as well as the xerophytic characteristics of Pagiophyllum, show that flora from Bleymard was adapted to withstand intense sunlight and coastal environments exposed to desiccant conditions coupled with salty sea spray, and dry conditions. These features are those of a conifer-dominated flora under a tropical to subtropical climate. The flora as well as the clay mineral analyses suggest contrasting seasons (cyclically dry then humid). This study supports that theropods were abundant and particularly adapted to this type of littoral environment bordering Cheirolepidiaceae-dominated forests.

Gastropods are the sources of protein for coastal communities in the Maluku islands. We conducted analysis quantitative and qualitative of protein in Nerita undata meat from Hasa Cape in Saparua Island. The percentage of protein was analyzed by the Kjeldahl method. Qualitative analysis began with breaking peptide bonds in protein to amino acid components by sulphuric acid and barium hydroxide hydrolyzed. We identified amino acid compounds by using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) in butanol-acetic acid-water (8:1:1, v/v) as eluent. The result showed that N. undata meat contains 11.15% of protein and twelve amino acid compounds. There are seven essential amino acids in N. undata meat from supralittoral rocks and mezolittoral zone of Hasa cape is a source of quality protein. Thus, this species can be considered as a source of high-quality protein.

Totally 71 literature source focused on the study of the Black Sea fungi (micromycetes) for the period from 1867 to 2018 was analyzed. In the 1860s and 1930s Zostera marina sea grass epidemics were recorded caused by fungi-like organisms of the genus Labyrinthula. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several cases of seagrass local mycosis were also identified. In the 1960s–2000s invertebrate epizootics caused by fungi were recorded: Hyphochytrium peniliae species parasitized on the Cladocera Penilia avirostris and caused its mass death; fungus Leptolegnia pontica infected eggs of Cirripedia Balanus improvisus and significantly reduced the population fecundity; the invasion of the fungus Ostracoblabe implexa led to the destruction of the Ostrea edulis oyster populations. Currently, single cases of the lesions on the cultivated oyster Crassostrea gigas (its spat is brought from other countries) by O. edulis are noted. Fungi-epibionts were isolated from the shells of C. gigas and Mytilus galloprovincialis. Microsporidia Steinhausia mytilovum was identified in mature oocytes of M. galloprovincialis. On the surface of fish and in their internal organs, filamentous fungi and intracellular parasites (microsporidia) were found. Fungi were revealed on the surface of bottlenose dolphins. The study of pelagial, benthal, cellulose-containing substrates’, foams’, periphyton, micro- and macroalgae, seagrasses mycobiota was carried out. Currently, 435 species of fungi were found in the Black Sea basin. They belong to 212 genera, 84 families, 50 orders, 19 classes, and 3 kingdoms. Totally 372 species were recorded in the marine environment, 196 were found in the freshwaters, and 31 species was recorded in the hypersaline waters. In the water column, 230 species of fungi were identified (in the hydrogen sulfide zone – 21); in the bottom sediments – 202 (in the hydrogen sulfide zone – 31); 70 species were recorded on wood; 30 – in periphyton on glasses and artificial stony supralittoral (berths, traverses); 46 – in marine foam; 50 – on/in molluscs; 18 – on the skin of dolphins; 116 – on macroalgae; 2 – on microalgae; 38 – on seagrasses; 69 – on/in fish; 14 – on/in crustaceans. The number of species found in the coastal waters of different regions is: Georgia – 8; Gelendzhik (Russia) – 56; Crimean Peninsula – 276; the north-western part of the Black Sea – 177; Romania – 112; Bulgaria – 44; Turkey – 9; Danube River – 238; Snake Island – 30. This review reflects individual studies on the fungi ability to utilize cellulose, petroleum and its products, phenol, and sulfur and to cause corrosion of metals. The first results in the study of antimicrobial activity of facultative and obligatory marine fungi of the Black Sea, as well as the ability of fungi to luminescence, are considered. This article lists directions of research in marine mycology that are perspective for the further study.

The mosquito Aedes phoeniciae is a potential disease vector that inhabits the coastal rock-pools of the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea. Our year-long study examined the abundance and distribution of Ae. phoeniciae in 49 rock-pools along HaBonim Beach Nature Reserve (Israeli coast) on a monthly basis (September 2016 to August 2017). Additionally, the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the rock-pools were measured. Our results showed a correlation between the abundance of Ae. phoeniciae and abiotic (salinity, pool volume, and pH) and biotic (bacterial, micro-phytoplankton, and chironomid abundance) characteristics. A complementary experiment was conducted to examine the role of bacteria and phytoplankton on Ae. phoeniciae larval performance by rearing larvae in seawater (SW) or seawater without microbes (FSW, 0.2-µm). Ae. phoeniciae grown in SW exhibited a high survivorship rate (~ 77%), while lower survivorship rate was measured in the FSW treatments (~ 45%). Furthermore, a higher number of adult females were found in the SW compared to FSW treatments (35 and 11, respectively), while the number of male adults remained similar. Our results suggest that Ae. phoeniciae larvae rely on the water characteristics and especially on the microbial communities that habitat the rock-pools. These results may enable improved mosquito control of Ae. phoeniciae along the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea.

Diplopods are commonly found in edaphic habitats, but can also be present in other types of environments including supralittoral zones. In Chile, there are few records of halophilic diplopods, but none of them are from supralittoral environments. Therefore, this study reports the first record of a halophilic diplopod belonging to the genus Polyxenus Latreille in Chile, which was collected from the rocky supralittoral of Cocholgüe, Biobío Region. The presence of these specimens in the supralittoral zone is discussed together with the possible peculiarities that this type of myriapods presents in this unusual ecosystem.

The locomotor activity of the supralittoral Oniscidea species, Tylos europaeus collected from Barkoukech Beach was monitored in individual animals under natural light/dark cycle, constant darkness ...

This study aimed to better understand the biodiversity and ecological aspects of benthic filamentous cyanobacteria along the coast of an extensive Brazilian tropical region with underestimated biodiversity. We collected samples between 2010 and 2012 in 24 areas along the coast of the State of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed biodiversity, life form, and spatial distribution of filamentous cyanobacteria on various marine substrata. The intertidal area was divided into three microhabitats according to hydrodynamics: tidal pools, protected reef region, and front reef region. Thirty-two taxa were identified and Oscillatoriales showed the highest biodiversity (16 taxa), followed by Nostocales (9), Synechoccocales (5) and Spirulinales (2). We reported 22 new references to Bahia State. Twenty-two taxa occurred only in one beach, and Symploca cf. hydnoides Gomont was the only widely distributed along the coast of Bahia. Epilithic (21 taxa) and epiphytic (15) showed the greatest species richness. Only two species presented epizoic life form. We observed the highest species richness in the protected reef region (17 taxa). We found eleven and eight taxa in the tidal pool and supralittoral zone, respectively. No cyanobacteria were found in the front reef region, an area with high hydrodynamics. This research presented many taxa in common with previous studies on cyanobacterial diversity developed in other tropical regions around the globe. The great biodiversity and new records reported in this study highlight the need of further surveys in tropical coastal environments, areas still underexplored in terms of biodiversity of cyanobacteria.

We found the euryhaline microalga, Tetraselmis jejuensis sp. nov., which was adapted to supralittoral tide pools with salinities varying from 0.3–3.1%. Fifteen strains of T. jejuensis were isolated from Daejeong (DJ) and Yongduam (YO), and clonal cultures were established in the laboratory. Morphological characterization revealed that the cells have a compressed shape, four flagella emerging from a depression near the apex in two opposite pairs, a cup-shaped chloroplast containing one pyrenoid surrounded by starch, and eyespot regions not located near the flagellar base. T. jejuensis cells showed distinct characteristics compared to other Tetraselmis species. First, a regular subunit pattern with honeycomb-like structures was predominantly displayed on the surface in the middle of the cell body. Second, the pyrenoid was invaded by both cytoplasmic channels comprising electron-dense material separated from the cytoplasm, and two branches of small cytoplasmic channels (canaliculi) in various directions, which characterize the subgenus Tetrathele. Eyespot regions containing a large number of osmiophilic globules, packed closely together and arranged in subcircular close packing of diverse sizes, were dispersed throughout the chloroplast. In the phylogenetic analysis of small subunit (SSU) rDNA sequences, the 15 strains isolated from DJ and YO separated a newly branched clade in the Chlorodendrophyceae at the base of a clade comprising the T. carteriiformi/subcordiformis clade, T. chuii/suecica clade, and T. striata/convolutae clade. The strains in the diverging clade were considered to belong to the same species. The SSU rDNA sequences of the DJ and YO strains showed a maximum difference of 1.53% and 1.19% compared to Tetraselmis suecica (MK541745), the closest species of the family based on the phylogenetic analysis, respectively. Based on morphological, molecular, and physiological features, we suggest a new species in the genus Tetraselmis named Tetraselmis jejuensis, with the species name “jejuensis” referring to the collection site, Jeju Island, Korea.

The paper presents the results of a spectroscopic study of the "colored" water detected in the splash baths in the supralittoral zone of the Alaid Volcano (the Kuril Islands) from 2015 to 2019. The splash baths with magenta, red and red-yellow water located in different parts of the island in various summer seasons. The analysis of fluorescenсе and absorption data of the water samples revealed the presence of a large amount of bacteriochlorophyll a in the water, which is the main photosynthetic pigment of purple sulfur bacteria. The assumption of the presence of cells of microorganisms was confirmed by observations under a microscope. To determine the morphotype of microorganisms the acetonemethanol extracts from the samples were prepared and studied using spectral methods. The characteristic absorption lines of carotenoids and the monomeric form of bacteriochlorophyll identified cells as Thiocystis and Thiorhodococcus morphotypes of purple sulfur bacteria. The regular observation of water samples with microorganisms in the supralittoral zone of the Alaid Volcano leads to the conclusion that the development of the purple phototrophic bacteria is not an accidental event, but a typical phenomenon in this area. The fact that each summer season colored water were found in different places indicates a cyclical changes in living conditions of microorganisms from favorable to unfavorable habitats.

In temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, green algae of the genus Blidingia are a substantial and environment‐shaping component of the upper and mid‐supralittoral zones. However, taxonomic knowledge on these important green algae is still sparse. In the present study, the molecular diversity and distribution of Blidingia species in the German State of Schleswig‐Holstein was examined for the first time, including Baltic Sea and Wadden Sea coasts and the off‐shore island of Helgoland (Heligoland). In total, three entities were delimited by DNA barcoding, and their respective distributions were verified (in decreasing order of abundance: Blidingia marginata, Blidingia cornuta sp. nov. and Blidingia minima). Our molecular data revealed strong taxonomic discrepancies with historical species concepts, which were mainly based on morphological and ontogenetic characters. Using a combination of molecular, morphological and ontogenetic approaches, we were able to disentangle previous mis‐identifications of B. minima and demonstrate that the distribution of B. minima is more restricted than expected within the examined area. Blidingia minima, the type of the genus name Blidingia, is epitypified within this study by material collected at the type locality Helgoland. In contrast with B. minima, B. marginata shows a higher phenotypic plasticity and is more widely distributed in the study area than previously assumed. The third entity, Blidingia cornuta sp. nov., is clearly delimited from other described Blidingia species, due to unique characters in its ontogenetic development and morphology as well as by its tufA and rbcL sequences.

As a result of a study on the territory of the Sharyn SNNP in 2018-2019. 72 species of 13 families of aquatic hemiptera insects were identified. Among them, a large number of species stand out. Corixidae (27 species, 40%), Saldidae (10 species, 25%), Gerridae (9 species, 13%), in the remaining 8 families only 1-3 species are known. Salda sahlbergi Reuter from the Saldidae family, 1870, was first recorded in Kazakhstan. By trophic links, zoophages predominate - 40 species, 60%; zoophytophages - 27 species, 40%. According to their association with habitats, aquatic hemiptera are subdivided into several groups: periphyton, nekton, pleiston, and supralittoral. Depending on the number of offspring per year, aquatic hemiptera of the Charyn State National Research and Production Enterprise is divided into three groups, which means that the number of species that reproduce several times a year is 13 (19%), twice a year - 8 species (12%), one once a year - 46 species (69%). Stages of wintering of aquatic hemiptera: adults - 59 species (88%), larvae - 3 species (5%), eggs - 5 species (7%). Key words: aquatic hemiptera, Charyn State National Natural Park, South-East Kazakhstan.

We investigated the pollution levels of 6 heavy metals and 29 dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs)) in intertidal and supratidal zones by using wharf roaches (Ligia spp.) collected from 12 sampling sites on the coast of Northeast Japan from November 2011 to June 2012. The total concentrations of heavy metals ranged from 177 to 377 µg/g-dry weight (dw), and the predominant metals were copper, zinc, and aluminum. The order of the detected level of heavy metals was zinc &gt, aluminum &gt, copper &gt, cadmium &gt, lead &gt, chromium, and this trend was similar to a previous report. The total toxic equivalent (TEQ) value of the PCDD/Fs ranged from less than the limit of detection (&lt, LOD) to 2.33 pg-TEQ/g-dw, and the predominant congener was octachlorodibenzodioxin (&lt, LOD to 110 pg/g-dw). Compared with PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs were detected at a predominantly higher level (total TEQ value: 0.64–27.79 pg-TEQ/g-dw). Detected levels of dioxins, especially DL-PCBs in the wharf roach, were like those in the bivalves. These results indicate that the wharf roach could reflect heavy metals and dioxin pollution in the supratidal zones and is a suitable environmental indicator for these environmental pollutants. This is the first study to investigate heavy metals, PCDD/Fs, and DL-PCBs pollution in coastal isopods in Japan.

During tidal cycles, semi-terrestrial fiddler crabs are subject to alternating periods of submersion and desiccation. Here, we compare physiological and biochemical adjustments to forced submersion and desiccation in two fiddler crabs from the Galapagos archipelago: the indigenous Leptuca helleri, and Minuca galapagensis. We examine ecological distributions and habitat characteristics using transect analysis; survival after 6 h forced submersion at different salinities (0, 21 and 42 ‰S), and after 6 or 12 h desiccation challenge, including alterations in hemolymph osmolality; and, oxidative stress responses in the gills and hepatopancreas, accompanying glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, and lipid peroxidase (LPO). We provide an integrated biomarker response (IBR) index for each species based on oxidative stress in each tissue and condition. Our transect study revealed that L. helleri occupies an intertidal niche while M. galapagensis is supralittoral, L. helleri being less resistant to submersion and desiccation. After 6 h submersion, L. helleri survived only at 21 ‰S while M. galapagensis survived at all salinities. Hemolymph osmolality decreased at 0 ‰S in M. galapagensis. After 6 h desiccation, osmolality decreased markedly in L. helleri but increased in M. galapagensis. Enzyme assays were not performed in L. helleri owing to high mortality on submersion/desiccation challenge. After submersion in M. galapagensis, hepatopancreas GPx activities decreased in 0 and 21 ‰S while GR activity was strongly inhibited at all salinities. Gill LPO decreased in 42 ‰S. On desiccation in L. helleri, GPx activity was inhibited in the hepatopancreas but increased in the gills. GST activity increased while LPO decreased in both tissues. After desiccation in M. galapagensis, hepatopancreas GPx activity increased. Both hepatopancreas and gill GST and GR activities and LPO were strongly inhibited. The IBR indexes for L. helleri were highest in fresh caught crabs, driven by gill and hepatopancreas LPO. For M. galapagensis, submersion at 21 ‰S contributed most to IBR, LPO in both tissues responding markedly. Leptuca helleri appears to be a habitat specialist adapted to a narrow set of niche dimensions while M. galapagensis survives over a much wider range, exhibiting little oxidative stress. The species’ physiological flexibilities and limitations provide insights into how fiddler crabs might respond to global environmental change on semi-arid islands.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in wharf roach (Ligia spp.), as an environmental indicator, and in environmental components of the intertidal and supralittoral zones were determined, and the PAH exposure pathways in wharf roach were estimated. Wharf roaches, mussels, and environmental media (water, soil and sand, and drifting seaweed) were collected from 12 sites in Japan along coastal areas of the Sea of Japan. PAH concentrations in wharf roaches were higher than those in mussels (median total of 15 PAHs: 48.5 and 39.9 ng/g-dry weight (dw), respectively) except for samples from Ishikawa (wharf roach: 47.9 ng/g-dw, mussel: 132 ng/g-dw). The highest total PAH concentration in wharf roach was from Akita (96.0 ng/g-dw), followed by a sample from Niigata (85.2 ng/g-dw). Diagnostic ratio analysis showed that nearly all PAHs in soil and sand were of petrogenic origin. Based on a correlation analysis of PAH concentrations between wharf roach and the environmental components, wharf roach exposure to three- and four-ring PAHs was likely from food (drifting seaweed) and from soil and sand, whereas exposure to four- and five-ring PAHs was from several environmental components. These findings suggest that the wharf roach can be used to monitor PAH pollution in the supralittoral zone and in the intertidal zone.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T12:32:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 regional offices of the Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador (MAE) Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) During tidal cycles, fiddler crabs undergo alternating periods of submersion and desiccation. We compare physiological and biochemical adjustments to submersion and desiccation challenge in two gelasminids from the Galapagos archipelago: the indigenous Leptuca helleri, and Minuca galapagensis. We examine population distributions and habitat characteristics; survival and hemolymph osmolality after 6 h submersion at several salinities, and after 6 or 12 h desiccation; and oxidative stress responses in the hepatopancreas and gills, accompanying glutathione enzyme antioxidant activities, and lipid peroxidation. We provide an integrated biomarker response index based on oxidative stress in each tissue, condition and species. Leptuca helleri occupies a restricted intertidal niche while M. galapagensis is supralittoral. Burrow density in M. galapagensis declined with increasing salinity and decreasing substrate moisture; L. helleri burrow density showed no correlation. After 6 h submersion, L. helleri survived only at 21 parts per thousand S while M. galapagensis survived from 0 to 42 parts per thousand S. After 6 h desiccation, hemolymph osmolality decreased markedly in L. helleri but increased in M. galapagensis. Antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in the hepatopancreas and gills showed tissue- and species-specific responses to submersion and desiccation challenge. The integrated biomarker response indexes for L. helleri were highest in control crabs, driven by oxidative stress. In M. galapagensis, submersion was the determining factor in both tissues. Minuca galapagensis is a generalist species while Leptuca helleri occupies a more restricted intertidal habitat. The species' respective physiological limitations and flexibilities provide insights into how fiddler crabs might respond to environmental change on semi-arid islands. Univ Reg Amazon Ikiam, Fac Ciencias Tierra & Agua, Km 7 Via Muyuna, Tena, Napo, Ecuador Univ Northern Iowa, Dept Biol, Cedar Falls, IA 50614 USA Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus Litoral Paulista, BR-11380972 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil Univ Santa Cecilia, Dept Ecotoxicol, BR-11045907 Santos, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Ctr Biol Marinha, BR-11600000 Sao Sebastiao, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus Litoral Paulista, BR-11380972 Sao Vicente, SP, Brazil regional offices of the Ministerio del Ambiente de Ecuador (MAE): MAE-DNB-CM-2017-0062-IKIAM CNPq: CNPq 303613/2017-3 FAPESP: 2017/04970-5

Extreme climate events cause major disturbances to the fauna of sandy beaches. For abiotic-controlled species, storm waves play a significant role in controlling populations. Considering the projected increase in the frequency of extreme climate events and the consequential influence on benthic macrofauna, there is a need to adjust the time-scale of observations. In this context, we conducted weekly monitoring of the ghost crab Ocypode quadrata on an urbanized sandy beach in southeast Brazil to evaluate the effect of storm waves on population dynamics. The effect of storm wave events was not as strong as expected, but two of the 8 registered storm events provoked an increase in density of O. quadrata. Although not significant, after events 4-5, the population suffered a decrease in density and burrows were concentrated in the upper supralittoral, probably because of contiguous effect of habitat reduction by trampling and the storm waves. It is probable that the combination of storm wave events in conjunction with urbanization could have prevented the population recovery by reducing the overall recruitment or even causing mortality or migration towards safer areas. Multi-factor approaches are needed to better understand the dynamics of O. quadrata in urbanized beaches, however, our study showed that weekly monitoring allowed us to record subtle variations in population dynamics that would go unregistered with other approaches but might reveal long-term changes.

Marine intertidal zones can be harsher and more dynamic than bordering subtidal zones, with extreme and temporally variable turbulence, water velocity, salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen levels. Contrasting environmental conditions and ecological opportunities in subtidal versus intertidal habitats may generate differing patterns of morphological diversity. In this study we used phylogenetic comparative methods, measurements of body length, and two-dimensional landmarks to characterize body shape and size diversity in combtooth blennies (Ovalentaria: Blenniidae) and test for differences in morphological diversity between intertidal, subtidal, and supralittoral zones. We found that subtidal combtooth blennies have significantly higher body shape disparity and occupy a region of morphospace three times larger than intertidal lineages. The intertidal morphospace was almost entirely contained within the subtidal morphospace, showing that intertidal combtooth blennies did not evolve unique body shapes. We found no significant differences in body size disparity between tidal zones, no correlations between body shape and tidal zone or body size and tidal zone, and no body shape convergence associated with tidal zone. Our findings suggest that a subset of combtooth blenny body shapes are suitable for life in both subtidal and intertidal habitats. Many species in regions of morphospace unique to subtidal combtooth blennies exhibit distinct microhabitat use, which suggests subtidal environments promoted morphological diversification via evolutionary microhabitat transitions. In contrast, limited intertidal body shape diversity may be due to strong selective pressures that constrained body shape evolution and environmental filtering that prevented colonization of intertidal zones by certain subtidal body shapes.

The spatiotemporal dynamics of the beach under extreme wave conditions is essential for beach erosion mechanism. The mechanism is helpful to coastal engineering management, resource utilization, disaster prevention, and mitigation. Before and after the landfall of strong Typhoon Mangkhut, the beach profile survey and beach surface sediment sampling were carried out at the beach of Nansan Island, Zhanjiang, China. By comparing the beach profile changes and sediment dynamic characteristics before and after the landfall of Mangkhut, we got the following results: (1) Nansan Island Beach responded to extreme dynamic conditions rapidly. During the whole response-recovery stage, sediments in the supratidal zone and the sand bars in the subtidal zone interact with each other. The intertidal zone is relatively stable without noticeable erosion/accretion changes. (2) Influenced by Typhoon Mangkhut, surface sediments on the beach became finer and better sorted. In the recovery stage, sediments were redistributed along the beach surface. (3) The recovery process of the supratidal zone was relatively independent. In the process of recovery, sediments on the beach surface were redistributed during transporting through the intertidal zone, which affected the recovery rate of the subtidal zone.

Haematococcus lacustris inhabits supralittoral rock ponds and forms, under natural conditions, biofilms including layered cyanobacterial and fermentative microbial mats. Dry mats, formed under extremely stressful conditions, contained only haematocysts. Under favorable growth conditions, modeled for dry biofilms in vitro, microalgal free-living stages were detected. Haematococcus lacustris is the microalga known for its high potential to survive under a wide range of unfavorable conditions, particularly in the supralittoral temporal rock ponds of the White Sea. Previously, we described microbial communities containing H. lacustris in this region. In many cases, they were organized into systems exhibiting complex three-dimensional structure similar to that of natural biofilms. In this study, for the first time, we clarify structural description and provide microscopic evidence that these communities of H. lacustris and bacteria are assembled into the true biofilms. There are (1) simple single layer biofilms on the surface of rocks and macrophytic algae, (2) floccules (or flocs) not attached to a surface, (3) as well as stratified (layered) biofilms, wet, and dehydrated in nature. Being involved into primary organic production, H. lacustris and cyanobacteria are located exclusively in the upper layers of stratified biofilms, where they are capable to absorb sufficient for photosynthesis amount of light. The presence of acidic polysaccharides in the extracellular matrix revealed by specific staining with ruthenium red in the H. lacustris-containing microbial communities is a biochemical evidence of biofilm formation. Meanwhile, the presence of bacterial L-form is an ultrastructural confirmation of that fact. Under favorable conditions, modeled in vitro, H. lacustris from the dry microbial mats moves to the free-living states represented by vegetative palmelloid cells and motile zoospores. Owing to the fact that inside biofilms cells of microorganisms exist under stable conditions, we consider the biofilm formation as an additional mechanism that contributes to the survival of H. lacustris in the supralittoral zone of the White Sea.

Enchytraeus albidus is a small euryhaline earthworm that is abundant in the supralittoral zone where it can be found in decaying seaweed. This species is readily mass-cultured, and due to its relatively high contents of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), there has been a renewed interest in this species as an alternative source of valuable nutrients for fish feed. Here, we have investigated the influence of substrate salinity (0, 1, 2, 8, 15, 30 and 40 ppt) on reproduction, growth and nutrient content of worms. We found that intermediate salinities (8–15 ppt) of the substrate maximize biomass production as well as protein and PUFA contents of the worm tissue. In particular, we observed that the often used culturing of E. albidus in non-saline growth medium resulted in low reproduction and biomass production. Increasing the salinity from 0 to 15 ppt resulted in a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids both in storage lipid and in membrane phospholipid fractions.

Приведены новые сведения о таксономическом составе сосудистых растений трех участков супралиторали на о-ве Попова зал. Петра Великого Японского моря. В июле–сентябре 2019 г. собран гербарий 36 видов, отнесенных к 32 родам и 17 семействам. Шесть видов, найденные на п-ове Ликандера (Дальневосточный морской биосферный заповедник), являются новыми для флоры о-ва Попова (Argusia sibirica, Atriplex patula, Calystegia soldanella, Equisetum arvense, Vicia japonica, Thymus komarovii). Среди них два редких вида. Argusia sibirica занесена в Красную книгу Приморского края, Calystegia soldanella – в Красную книгу Приморского края и Красную книгу Российской Федерации. The new data on taxonomic composition of supralittoral vascular plants of the Popov Island, Peter the Great Bay, the Sea of Japan are presented. 36 species from 32 genera and 17 families were recorded on the three inspected sectors of the supralittoral in July-September 2019. Six species found on the Likander Peninsula, Far Eastern Marine Biosphere Reserve are new to the flora of the Popov Island (Argusia sibirica, Atriplex patula, Calystegia soldanella, Equisetum arvense, Vicia japonica, Thymus komarovii). Two species are rare. Argusia sibirica is registered in the Red Data Book of the Primorsky Krai (Plants). Calystegia soldanella is registered in The Red Data Book of the Primorsky Krai (Plants) and The Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (Plants and fungi).

Coastal wetlands are ecologically and economically important; however, they are currently faced with fragmentation and loss. Plants are a fundamental element of wetlands and previous researches have focused on wetland plant connectivity; however, these researches have been conducted at the landscape but not species level. Here, given that tidal flats are important areas in coastal wetlands, we investigated the connectivity characteristics of typical plant species and environmental factors in different wetland regions influenced by various tidal conditions to reveal vegetation connectivity and its relationship with environmental factors on a small-patch scale. We found that tides negatively affect plant connectivity because both the Tamarix chinensis and Suaeda salsa have the highest connectivity on river banks, which are not influenced by tides. Of two tidal regions, different tides conditions have different influence on two plant species. T. chinensis had higher connectivity in the supratidal zone, whereas S. salsa had higher connectivity in the intertidal zone. Besides, the soil water content and soil salinity were significantly different in the three regions, but the soil total nitrogen and phosphorous were not. Soil water content and soil salinity were two factors that significantly affected plant connectivity. Specifically, soil water content positively affected the connectivity of T. chinensis and S. salsa, whereas soil salinity negatively affected the connectivity of T. chinensis. Taken together, these results indicate that tidal conditions affect plant connectivity on a small-patch scale. River banks and supratidal zone are beneficial for the recovery and growth of T. chinensis, intertidal zone and river banks are more conducive to the recovery and growth of S. salsa. Based on the above research, this study provides insights that could be applied to vegetation restoration in coastal wetlands.

The aim of this study was to evaluate oyster seed settlement pattern in artificial collectors affixed along Babitonga Bay (26°28’S í 48°50’W), Santa Catarina state, Brazil. Artificial collectors were installed in the upper tidal range (supralittoral), in the line of intermediate variation of the tide (mesolittoral), and below the limit region of the low tide (infralittoral). A total of 7,579 seeds were obtained over a year, presenting clear variations of quantities and species according to the seasons, depths and collection sites. Among the total number of seeds collected, 284 were submitted to molecular analyses for species identification, among which 5.63% belonged to Crassostrea gasar, 16.9% to C. rhizophorae, 0.35% to C. gigas, 24.29% of Ostrea sp. and 52.81% to C. talonata. Species identification through morphological analysis is difficult because of the inherent polymorphism of shells. Results demonstrate that artificial collectors present a higher performance for the settlement of oyster species inappropriate for farm cultivation (C. talonata and Ostrea sp.). Moreover, C. talonata is an exotic species from Indo-Pacific seas recently confirmed along Brazilian coasts, and it already possesses a high recruitment rate in the estuarine region. This raises environmental and commercial concerns about the maintenance of the natural oyster population in Babitonga Bay.

Plastic debris becomes a global problem that threatens the coastal ecosystems, and the supralittoral area (beach) turns to be a place for plastic debris to accumulate. Data from the United Nations (UN) states that Indonesia is the second plastic debris contributor in world waters. This study aimed to examine the spectral characteristics of plastic debris accumulated on the beach. The data was collected from the coast of Makassar at 3 different stations: Jenneberang River estuary, Losari Beach and Tallo River estuary. The spectral sample was measured using a 4000 A spectroradiometer that works on a wavelength spectrum of 340 - 1040 nm. The results showed that the optimum value for plastic debris identification in the coastal area at low tide (dry sand) is 450-670 nm and at high tide (wet sand) is 450-950 nm. This value will be a reference in the remote sensing method, especially multispectral classification in mapping plastic debris found in coastal areas, and will be one solution to effectively mapping plastic debris.

Aquatic macrophytes rhizosphere are biogeochemical cycling hotspots in freshwater ecosystems. However, little is known regarding the effect of aquatic macrophytes on bacterial community and interactions in the riparian zones. We investigated the bacterial community composition and network structures along a gradient of the riparian zone as follows: The supralittoral and eulittoral zones with Phragmites australis, the eulittoral and infralittoral zones without P. australi. The bacterial communities in the four zones differed significantly based on taxonomic dissimilarity, but the two zones with P. australis exhibited phylogenetic closeness of the bacterial communities. The characteristics of the bacterial networks, such as connectivity, modularity, and topological roles of OTUs, were totally different between the P. australis and non-P. australis zones. Some bacterial phyla enriched in the P. australis zones were found to be putative keystone taxa in the networks, which might be involved in the regulation of bacterial interactions and plant growth. Moreover, the hydrological regime and particle size were shown to be determinants of the bacterial community and network structures in the riparian zones. In summary, our results show that the role of P. australis and local factors are crucial for constructing bacterial community and interactions in the riparian zones of lakes.

Nowadays, it is relevant to study the mechanisms of rhythmic processes that are the basis of the vital activity of all organisms. From this point of view, it is necessary to study the functioning of organisms living in tidal conditions on the coastal zone of the northern seas. Twice a day, plants are flooded with water on the intertidal zone, and then they go out for drying—there is a change in the water and air environment, which is accompanied by changes in light, temperature, oxygen and CO2 concentrations, pressure, and other parameters. These conditions have led to the formation of a unique halophyte complex of higher terrestrial plants, which have formed various adaptive mechanisms that provide the possibilities for normal existence. Three zones are distinguished on the coastal zone of the White Sea: supratidal, intertidal, and subtidal zones. For each zone, the following species was investigated: for supratidal—Alopecurus arundinaceus, Atriplex glabriuscula, Carex subspathacea; for intertidal—Tripolium vulgare, Triglochin maritima, Salicornia europaea, and three species of Plantago genus; for subtidal—Zostera marina. Species growing on intertidal and subtidal zones are resistant to flooding and have various structural and functional adaptations. The photosynthetic characteristics (CO2 rate of gas exchange, transpiration, stomatal conductivity, and CO2 concentration in the intercellular spaces of the leaves) were studied using the LCPro + portable gas analyzer at natural light intensity and air temperature. Analysis of CO2 exchange curves by the model of Farquhar et al. showed a difference in the values of the maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), the electron transport rate at light saturation (Jmax), the utilization rate of triose phosphate, and a number of other parameters in plants of different zones. A comparative study of physiological parameters showed the highest functional activity in plants in the intertidal zone, which undergo daily tidal dynamics. The influence of environmental factors on the content of chlorophylls a and b and the amount of carotenoids was estimated. Evaluation of the implementation of photosynthetic activity in natural habitats in relation to the maximum values at saturating concentration of CO2 showed that the species of higher vascular plants realize their potential in the range of 6–20% on the supratidal zone, from 10 to 70% on the intertidal zone, and from 30 to 60% on the subtidal zone. In the case of a global increase of CO2 concentration, we can expect a significant increase in CO2 absorption by the following halophytes: T. vulgare, Plantago maritima, Z. marina, Al. arundinaceus, and At. glabriuscula, as well as an increase in productivity of P. maritima and Z. marina among the studied halophytes of the coastal zones of the northern Holarctic seas.

The marine life on the seafloor of the Aegean Sea, from the sea surface to the edge of the continental shelf, is presented as a succession, in four bathymetric zones. The first two zones (supralittoral and mediolittoral) correspond to intertidal system, which is very narrow, due to the small range of tides in the Aegean Sea. Next to them, the other two zones (infralittoral and circalittoral) correspond to the subtidal photic system, which, in contrary, is very large due to the high transparency of the seawater.

The locomotor behaviour of three terrestrial isopod species, Ligia italica, Chaetophiloscia elongata and Armadillo officinalis, were investigated in populations collected from the supralittoral zon...

The position of the beetle family Heteroceridae in food webs of riparian communities in European Russia and Mongolia is discussed, and the main trophic links within the Heteroceridae­ related communities are recorded. The feeding spectrum of heterocerids, and the main predators of preadult and adult Heteroceridae, are identified and reported. Symbionts of heterocerids are also discussed.

The primary ecotope for Platorchestia platensis is supralittoral wrack, but occasionally this species may be found living in, and feeding on, rotting driftwood as a secondary ecotope. Lower oxygen ...

Bonnici, L.; Borg, J.A.; Evans, J.; Lanfranco, S., and Schembri, P.J., 2018. Of rocks and hard places: Comparing biotic assemblages on concrete jetties versus natural rock along a microtidal Mediterranean shore. The species composition and structure of littoral assemblages on concrete jetties were compared with those on natural rocky shores at two localities on the microtidal NE coast of Malta. Algal species richness and total algal biomass were significantly lower on jetties. Faunal species richness and faunal abundance were also lower on jetties, albeit not significantly so. Jetties and natural rocky shores differed in relative species composition. The algae Palisada perforata/Laurencia obtusa and several mobile animals, mostly crustaceans, molluscs, and polychaetes, were more abundant on rocky shores. In particular, the supralittoral gastropod Melarhaphe neritoides had a density ranging between 8 ind./m2 to 98 ind./m2 on rocky shores but was never recorded on jetties. Conversely, the algae Cla...

The swash-ice zone of the Curonian Lagoon comprises the depths from a lower margin of the supralittoral to a lower margin of the swash subzone (0.7 m). This zone extends from a few meters to 250 m. This zone is the area of expatriation of Dreissena polymorpha because of its complete freezing in winter. However, this species prevails in the swash-ice zone in terms of the frequency of occurrence and the ratio in the total abundance and biomass of macrozoobenthos. Zebra mussels form large beds; their abundance and biomass reach 1420 ind./m2 and 74.334 g/m2, respectively. Population replenishment in this zone occurs sporadically due to adult individuals brought here from the consortium communities, where zebra mussel + Unionidae and zebra mussel + Viviparidae are the determining centers, as well as due to the settling of the mollusks of the veliconch stage.