A Guide to the Russian Academy of Sciences - University of Texas ...

HEAD Valerii I. FADEEV, Cand. Sci. Biol.
STAFF numbers 28, including 2 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 area of 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 anti fouling 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 micro algae, 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.
3. LABORATORY OF PLANKTONOLOGY
HEAD Vladimir G. CHAVTUR, Dr. Sci. Biol.
STAFF numbers 9, including 1 Dr. Sci. and 1 Cand. Sci.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Study of the biology of common species of zooplankton that
form a food source of commercial organisms in the far-eastern seas and adjacent
areas of the ocean; development and use of bioindication methods for determining
the structure, dynamics and pollution of water and biological state of plankton;
taxonomic studies on several groups of organisms which are of theoretical and
applied importance. The Laboratory conducts research in three directions. Study of
seasonal dynamics of structure-functional characteristics of neritic zooplankton with
the aim in view to reveal phenological regularities of its coenoses in coastal waters
of the Far East and to develop bioindication methods for determination of biological
state of communities and sanitary diagnosis of waters under different anthropogenic
effects. Investigation of biology, distribution and dynamics of mass zooplankton
species, forming the feeding base of important commercial objects (invertebrates,
fish, and mammals) in the far-eastern seas and adjoining oceanic areas.
Taxonomical research in different systematic groups of zooplankton aimed at
elucidation of spatial position and dynamics of water mass, study of peculiarities of
vertical and zoogeographical distribution of pelagic organisms in different climatic
zones of the World Ocean. Laboratory collections include plankton materials for the
far-eastern seas and adjoining Pacific waters as well as for other areas of the World
Ocean for some systematic groups. The Laboratory has a voluminous library.
Bibliographic database has been made for specific areas (for plankton in general and
different taxocoenes).
4. LABORATORY OF ECOSYSTEM PRODUCTIVITY
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