Filamentous Green Algae Cladophora spp. in Crimean Hypersaline Water Bodies: Ecosystem Engineers and a Valuable Resource (Review)

A comprehensive study has been carried out in Crimean water bodies, most intensively in Lake Chersonesskoye. Work is underway on the possibilities of using Cladophora biomass in agriculture. Work in these areas is briefly summarized and supplemented with the results of other researchers. The seasonal dynamics of Cladophora, the influence of environmental factors, the formation and vertical structure of Cladophora mats, photosynthesis and production process, and the role of mats as ecosystem engineers in the formation of habitats for epibiont microalgae are analyzed. Wide prospects for using Cladophora biomass in medicine and agriculture, primarily as fertilizers and feed additives, are shown.