Bren O. Algaе of the saline coastal reservoirs of the Pryazov national natural park

The dissertation is devoted to the study of the species composition, taxonomic structure, and ecological characteristics of algae in the saline coastal reservoirs of the Pryazov National Nature Park (Pryazov NNP). It is established that the species composition of algae in the studied reservoirs under modern conditions includes 153 species, which belong to 6 phyla, 12 classes, 30 orders, 64 families, 92 genera. The predominant phyla are Cyanoprokaryota (43.8% of the total number of species), Bacillariophyta (32.0%) and Chlorophyta (20.9%). 12 algal cenoses were identified, in which the representatives of Cyanoprokaryota (4 species), Chlorophyta (7), Bacillariophyta (1) are dominant. There are 59 species of algae that are new to the territory of the Pryazov NNP, of which two species can be considered as new to science (strains AB-25 and AB-31). The total list of algae species of saline coastal reservoirs of the Pryazov NNP has been compiled (based on the results of original researches and generalized literature data) – 437 species were registered, which belong to 8 phyla, 15 classes, 51 orders, 105 families, 188 genera. The decrease in the species diversity of algae, as well as the restructuring of their composition in terms of habitat and halobity (during 2000-2019) indicate the transformation of natural complexes of the North-Western Azov area, which is aimed to aridization. The consequence of these processes is xero- and halophytization of the plant component. It is recommended to carry out algosozological, environmental, economic and reclamational activities for the protection and preservation of natural complexes of the North-Western Azov and species of algae, which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.