The First Record of Lithodesmium undulatum Ehrenb. (Bacillariophyta, Mediophyceae)in the Estuarues of the Northern Black Sea Area (Ukraine).

Abstract

Data on the findings of the invasive species of Lithodesmium undulatum in the estuaries of the Northern Black Sea area (Tuzla group of lakes, Odessa region) are given. The species has not previously been found in the phytoplankton of the Black Sea. It is assumed that it fell into the Tuzla estuaries with the ballast waters from ships. In the specified area, it was first observed in June 2015. Data on the abundance and biomass of L. undulatum and its distribution in the waters of one of the lakes of Tuzla group Lake Alibey were reported. The emergence of invasive phytoplankton species threatens the existence of aquatic organisms as a result of the development of potentially dangerous allochtonous microalgae.