Seasonal dynamics and quantity distribution of zoobenthos in the north-west part of the South Caspian Sea

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of seasonal dynamics and quantity of the zoobenthos distribution in the north-west part of the South Caspian Sea. During the research covering the period from 2009 until 2010, 59 macrobenthos organisms belonging to the ten systemic groups were identified. Maximum quantity of species was identified in spring and summer (31 - 59 species), while minimum in autumn (24 - 42 species). Maximum development of organisms was identified in summer (146.27 g m-2), while minimum in autumn (77.12 g m-2). The key role in the benthos biomass formation belonged to shellfish, comprising 67.7 to 69.1% of total benthos biomass