Meiobenthic Assemblages of the Laspi Bay (Crimea, Black Sea): Taxonomic Diversity and Quantitative Development

It is known that degassing processes are currently observed in the underwater part of beach zone Laspi Bay (the southern coast Crimea). The site gas emissions (methane) confined to coastal bay and located at a distance 15.0 – 40.0 m from coastline. Data on taxonomic richness quantitative development meiobenthos (2017) presented for first time this study. meiobenthic assemblages studied area were very diverse including representatives 24 high taxa Protozoa Metazoa (phylum, class, order). most numerous group almost all stations was free-living nematodes. by station did not reveal any noticeable variability, 12 18 faunal groups, while an unevenness spatial distribution density settlements clearly expressed. Minimum values 63.2×103–72.9×103 ind./m2 noted seaward zone, maximum 1368×103–2051×103 eastern where localized methane seepage areas observed.