Features of the population structure of Fucus vesiculosus L. (Phaeophyceae) in different areas of the Murmansk coast of the Barents Sea, 2021

Abstract

The age, size-mass and reproductive structure of the Fucus vesiculosus population in the areas of the Murmansk coast has been studied on boulder soils of the middle horizon of the littoral with weakened surf. In the studied areas characterized by different temperature conditions and the degree of anthropogenic impact the biomass of F. vesiculosus does not differ statistically significantly. The minimum population size has been found in the middle knee of the Kola Bay, the maximum – at the eastern stations. In the warmer Pechenga and Retinskaya Bays, receptacles form on thalli with more branching than in the Zelenetskaya and Yarnyshnaya Bays; thalli in western Murman have a lower age of appearance of receptacles. The linear dimensions of thalli and their mass do not differ in the studied areas. The beginning of zygote germination judging by the size of seedlings is the same on the entire coast. Maximum fertility is observed at the age of 2.5–3 years. Differences between the coenopopulations of F. vesiculosus in Western and Eastern Murman indicate the important role of climate in shaping the appearance of littoral vegetation. The current level of pollution in the Kola Bay has a negative impact on the survival of fucus seedlings, however, it can be concluded that the life span of thalli is high and the population is stable.