An investigation on the Benthic Macrofauna of the Anzali lagoon 

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Abstract

Anzali lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in the southwestern part of the Caspian sea. The lagoon, once being in suitable habitat for spawning of commercial fishes particularly sturgeons has been exposed to various sources of pollution originating mainly from urban and industrial sewages distracting habitats and lowering number of migratory spawner fishes. I.F.R.T.O conducted a Joined research project with F.A.O for two years (1991_1992) on the planktonic benthic and fishery resources of the lagoon. 18 stations were established over the lagoon and connecting rivers for plankton and benthos studies. Every other week 9 stations were surveyed. The study revealed that the family Tubificidac was dominant followed by larvae of chironomidae. Odonata (Naiads stage) had the lowest abundance In the lagoon in 1991 and it was the same for cumacea in 1992. The lowest abundance of benthic macrofauna during the study period was detected in station No. 1 situated in the mouth of the water.....