Results of the study of macrozoobenthos of Lake Saikul

The article presents the results of the study of macrozoobenthos of Lake Saykul, which revealed moderate species diversity (44 species) with a predominance of chironomids and the preservation of individual Aral relics. The community demonstrates pronounced seasonal fluctuations in abundance and biomass: spring-autumn peaks are replaced by a winter minimum. The main limiting factors of biodiversity are increased salinity of water (4-6 g / l) and changes in the water level of the reservoir. The high similarity coefficient (66-81%) with other brackish-water lakes of Karakalpakstan reflects the general ecological specificity of the region. The results confirm the importance of macrozoobenthos as an indicator of the state of aquatic ecosystems and response to climatic and anthropogenic impacts.