Volume 15, Issue 1 (Spring 2025)
J. Aqua. Eco 2025, 15(1): 20-34 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Bagheri S, Mirzajani A, Khatib Haghighi S, Madadi F. Distribution and abundance of Phytoplankton in the Anzali wetland in 2023, and comparing it with three decades. J. Aqua. Eco 2025; 15 (1) :20-34
URL: http://jae.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-1125-en.html
URL: http://jae.hormozgan.ac.ir/article-1-1125-en.html
Abstract: (141 Views)
The diversity and abundance of planktonic primary producers play a critical role in aquatic ecosystems, serving as indicators of ecological health and vitality. The Anzali Wetland, located on the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea, is currently experiencing severe ecosystem degradation, with notable impacts on its biological communities. This study examined the phytoplankton community structure in the Anzali Wetland from March to December 2023 and compared the findings with historical data. The number of genera in the dominant phytoplankton groups—Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyta, and Cyanobacteria—declined by 59%, 63%, and 53%, respectively. Additionally, the Euglenozoa phylum experienced an 80% reduction in genera. Despite the overall decline, several genera remained dominant in both occurrence and abundance, including Cyclotella, Nitzschia, Synedra, and Navicula (Bacillariophyceae); Ankistrodesmus and Scenedesmus (Chlorophyta); Oscillatoria and Merismopedia (Cyanobacteria); and Euglena (Euglenozoa). The average annual abundance of phytoplankton in 2023 was 7.8 million cells/L, representing a nine-fold decrease compared to data from the past two decades. The highest abundances were recorded in Bacillariophyceae (1.5 million cells/L) and Cyanobacteria (1.3 million cells/L). Notably, the abundance of Euglenozoa (587,000 cells/L) showed a significant increase compared to levels observed in the 1990s. The decline in phytoplankton diversity and abundance over the past 30 years is largely attributed to anthropogenic pressures and major environmental changes, particularly the declining water level of the Caspian Sea. This has drastically transformed the Anzali Wetland’s landscape, with extensive drying of water bodies. To restore the ecological integrity of the Anzali Wetland, urgent rehabilitation measures are required. These should include hydrological restoration, pollution and sedimentation control, and management of invasive species such as Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth). Implementing these strategies is essential for improving the planktonic community structure and reviving the wetland’s ecological health.
References
1. Abbasi, K., Esmaeili Fereidoni, A., Sayyad Bourani, M. and Rahmani, H., 2019. Fecundity of wild common carp, Cyprinus carpio, in Anzali wetland. Journal of Aquaculture Development, 13(1), pp. 103-119.
2. Abedini, A. 2013. Fisheries study in the Arasbaran Lakes in the east Azerbaijan. Iranian Fisheries
3. Sciences Research Institute, Anzali. Technical Rep. 63 p. (in Persian).
4. Abedini, A., Mirzajani, A. R., Fallahi, M., 2018. Physicochemical conditions and trophic levels of the Anzali Wetland. Iranian scientific fisheries journal, 26(6), 113-123. Doi: 10.22092ISFJ.2018.115765
5. APHA. 2005. Standard method for the examination of water and wastewater. Washigton, DC, USA. 1265 p.
6. Bagheri, S. 2006. Limnological study of Dasht-Moghan lake, Ardabil state. Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Inland Waters Aquaculture Research Center, Tehran. Technical Rep. 67 p. (in Persian).
7. Bagheri, S., Khatib, S., Sabkara, J. and Zahmatkesh, Y., 2022. Phytoplankton bloom (Cyanobacteria: Nodularia spumigena) in the southwestern Caspian Sea off Anzali, July 2021. Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 21(3), pp. 849-858. doi.org/10.22092/ijfs.2022.127359.
8. Bagheri, S., Makaremi, M. and Mirzajani, A., 2019. Distribution, phytoplankton abundance and impact of Eichhornia crassipes in the Eynak Wetland, Guilan state-Iran. Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 27(6), pp. 93-103. doi.org/ 10.22092/ISFJ.2019.118317.
9. Bagheri, S., Makaremi, M., Khatib Hagigi, S., Madadi, F. and Talakesh, M.R., 2021. Abundance and structure of phytoplankton in Lake Chitgar during 2017-19 and comparison with previous studies. Journal of Animal Environment, 13(2), pp. https://doi.org/ 395-404. 10.22034/aej.2021.139001. [DOI:395-404. 10.22034/aej.2021.139001.]
10. Boney, A.D. 1989. Phytoplankton. Edward annoid. British Library Cataloguing Publication data. 118p.
11. Chen, J., Pekker, T., Wilson, C., Tapley, B., Kostianoy, A. Cretaux, J., & Safarov, E. (2017). Long-term Caspian Sea level change. Geophysical Research Letters, 44, 6993-7001. doi:10.1002/2017GL073958. [DOI:10.1002/2017GL073958]
12. Fallahi, M., 2018. The trend of aquatic communities changes in Anzali wetland. Fisheries Science Research Institute, Tehran. Report Register NO. 53238. 152 P. (in Persian).
13. Heinonen, P., 2004. Monitoring and Assessment of the Ecological Status of Lakes. www. Environment.fi/ publications. Helsinki, 108 p. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/16390433.pdf
14. Holchik, Y and Ola, V. 1990. The dam capacity of Anzali lagoon and the study of fish stocks in it. Joint project of fisheries and FAO, Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, Bandar Anzali. Technical Rep. Anzali. 11 p. (in Persian).
15. Hosseinpour, N. 1990. Anzali lagoon and the loads on it. Iranian Fisheries Research Organization. Technical Rep. Anzali. 9 p. (In Persian).
16. Hydroproject, 1965. Fish-cultur reclamation of the pahlevi (Mordab) Bay. State industrial Fisheris committee. USSR, state design Institute on Hydrotechnical, Fish-cultural. Reclamation and land construction. Technical Rep. Moscow. 60 p.
17. Khodaparast, H. 2012. Comprehensive fisheries studies of Anzali wetland. Gilan Province Fisheries Research Center. Technical Rep. Anzali. 204 p. (In Persian).
18. Khorasani, N and Meygooni, G. 1987. Anzali wetland ecosystem survey. Journal of Natural Resources of Iran. 41, pp. 44-53. (In Persian).
19. Kimball, K. d. and Kimball, S. F. 1974. Limnological studies of Anzali wetland. Iran Fisheries Company and Iran Environmental Protection Organization. Technical Rep. Anzali. 144 p. (In Persian)..
20. Lahijani, H., Leroy, S. A. G., Arpe, K., and Cretaux, J. F. (2023). Caspian Sea level changes during instrumental period, its impact and forecast: A review. Earth-Science Reviews, 241, 104428. [DOI:10.1016/j.earscirev.2023.104428]
21. Li, S. and Mathias, J. 1994. Freshwater Fish Culture in China: Principles and Practice, Volume 28, 1st Edition, U.S, Elsevier Science. 445 p. eBook ISBN: 9780080934198.
22. Maosen, H. 1983. Freshwater plankton illustration. Agriculture publishing house. 85 p.
23. Mirzajani A., 2024. Monitoring of organisms (benthos, plants and animals) of Anzali Wetland. Department of Environmental Protection of Giulan Province. Report project. 120p
24. Mirzajani, A. R., Khodaparast, H., Babaei, H., Abedini, A., Dadai Ghandi, A., 2010. Eutrophication Trend of Anzali Wetland Based on 1992-2002 Data. Journal of Environmental Studies, 35(52): 65-74. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.10258620.1388.35.52.7.1
25. Mirzajani, A., 2016. Study of Shovier and Mirzakhanlo dam reservoirs in Zanjan province in order to aquaculture possibility. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Bandar Anzali.
26. Mirzajani, A., Abdolmalaki, S., Dagigh Roohi, J., Babaei, H., Abedini, A. and SayadBorani, M., 2020a. Trophic status index and natural fisheries potential of some Iranian reservoirs. Iranian Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 9: 2753-2769. DOI: 10.22092/ijfs.2020.122660
27. Mirzajani, A., Daghigh Roohi, J., and Mohammadidost, R., 2020b. Investigation of distribution and abundance of aquatic plants dominant in the western part of Anzali Wetland. Journal of Plant Research (Iranian Journal of Biology), 33(4), 1014-1024. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.23832592.1399.33.4.4.0
28. Mirzajani, A., Ghane, A., Bagheri, S., Abbasi, K., Sayadrahim, M., Salahi, M. and Lavajoo, F. 2020c. Diet survey and trophic position of Macrobrachium nipponense in the food web of Anzali Wetland. Wetlands, 40(5), pp. 1229-1239. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13157-020-01278-5 [DOI:10.1007/s13157-020-01278-5]
29. Mirzajani, A.R., 2009. Limnological survay of Anzali wetland data during 1990-2003 by use of GIS system. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Tehran. 124 p.
30. Nezami, S., 1994. Limnological and ecological investigations of Anzali lagoon. Fisheries Research Organization for Guilan Province. Technical Rep. 214 p. (in Persian).
31. Palmer, C.M. 1996. Algae and Water Pollution. Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory Office of Research and Development, USEPA EPA/600/9-77-036. https://www.sid.ir/fileserver/jf/8000913980204
32. Pontin, R.M., 1978. A key to fresh water planktonic and semiplanktonic rotifera of the British Isles. Titus Wilson and son Publication. 178 p.
33. Prescott, G.W. 1970. The fresh water algae. W.M.C. USA: Brown company publisher, 348 p.
34. Roohi, D.J. 2009. Study of the Ardalan and Alkhalaj Lakes for aquaculture in east Azerbaijan state.Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Inland Waters Aquaculture Research Center, Tehran. Technical Rep. 70 p. (in Persian).
35. Ruttner-Kolisko, A. 1974. Plankton Rotifera biology and taxonomy. Stuttgardt, Germany: E. Schweizerbart, Verlagsbuchhandlung (Nagele U. Obermiller) 134 p.
36. Sabkara, J., Makaremi, M. 2003. Study of density and distribution of plankton in the Makoo Lake.Journal of Aquaculture Development. 12(2), pp. 29-46. (in Persian)
37. Sabkara, J. and Makaremi, M., 2004. Abundance and distribution pattern of planktons in Anzali Lagoon', Iranian Scientific Fisheries Journal, 13(3), pp. 87-114. [DOI:10.22092/isfj.2004.113804 (in Persian)]
38. Sabkara, J. and Makaremi, M., 2013. Distribution, abundance of plankton and their role in fish
39. aquaculture in the Aras Lake. Journal of Aquaculture Development, 7(2), pp. 41-59. (in Persian).
40. Sabkara, J., Makaremi, M., 2015. Plankton Atlas of Anzali Wetland and Caspian Sea coastal areas. Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute. Tehran. 570 p.
41. Sabkara, J., Makaremi, M., Hassanimoghaddam, M. and Maleki, S. S., 2019. Distribution and species diversity of Cyanophyta (Cyanobacteria) and their environmental significance in aquatic life in Anzali wetland ecosystem, Advanced Aquaculture Sciences Journal, 3, pp. 35-50. (in Persian)
42. Tiffany, L. H. and Britton, M. E. 1971. The Algae of Illinois. Chicago, University of Chicago Press. 407 p.
43. Winder, M., Reuter, J.E. and Schladow, S.G. 2009. Lake warming favours small-sized planktonic diatom species. Proceedings of the Royal Society, 276, pp. 427-435. [DOI:10.1098/rspb.2008.1200.]
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons — Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)