Laboratory of Ecology of Shelf Communities

HEAD Valery I. FADEEV, Cand. Sci. Biol.

STAFF numbers 30, including 3 Drs. Sci., 10 Cand. Sci.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Research on the composition, structure and dynamics of shelf and fouling communities in the far-eastern seas.

Using scuba-diving equipment, the research teams of the Laboratory have surveyed ecosystems of the upper subtidal zone in the far-eastern seas. Sites with great species diversity have been found in Peter the Great Bay, the Kuriles and off Kamchatka. The survey was aimed at assessment of resources of species, which are important for nutrient value and as raw matter for production of biologically active compounds.

On the basis of long-term investigations, the species composition and ecology of fouling organisms on marine vessels and in far-eastern ports have been described. Migration routes of fouling organisms and successions of fouling communities in Peter the Great Bay and in Avacha Inlet (Kamchatka) have been described. An intensive method for painting vessels with antifouling paints has been proposed which ensures protection of hull coating during 5-year operation.

A model of the biotic cycle of organic matter has been developed for Nha Phu Lagoon (Vietnam), which is promising for cultivation of marine invertebrates.

The species composition of phytoplankton is studied by electronic microscopy (SEM,TEM) and in cultures. Investigations are made of the seasonal dynamics of abundance and biomass of microalgae, horizontal and vertical distribution and the state of phytoplankton in conditions of eutrophication. Attention is focused on the study of “blooms” and “red tides”. General problems of marine ecology and biogeography are under study.

Phone: 31-09-12; 31-11-30; 31-71-07

E-mail: aqua@linkor.ru