Macrophytobenthos of the western part of the Middle Caspian Sea and prospects for its use

The analysis of the literature data and field studies allowed us to obtain relevant results on the species com-position, distribution and prospects for the use of macrophytes in the western part of the Middle Caspian Sea. The phytobenthos of the Dagestan coast of the Caspian Sea from Derbent in the south to the Agrakhan Bay in the north was studied during the field trips. It was revealed that 4 species of algae dominate the littoral of the rocky bench: Ulva prolifera, U. intestinalis, Ceramium diaphanum, Osmundea capsica. Onshore emissions of Nanozostera noltei in the autumn period have not been recorded. The biomass and distribution of the dominant macrophytes in this part of the Caspian Sea do not allow their fishing to be recommended. However, the regular formation of storm-onshore macrophyte emissions in the Izberbash town may serve as a basis for their collection and further use, since the emissions are composed, among other things, of species promising for processing. These include red algae, green algae belonging to the Ulvales, rhestes. According to preliminary estimates, coastal emissions in the area of Izberbash had an area of more than 1 100 m2 with a coverage of up to 80-90% and an estimated volume of up to 1 ton. In addition to coastal emissions, significant pre-discharge accumulations were observed in shallow water. The chemical composition of the harvested samples of aquatic plants (Osmundea caspica, Ceramium diaphanum, Polysiphonia ornate, Stuckenia pectinate, Ulva sp., Nanozostera noltei) has been established. The results of the macro and microelement composition of Nanozostera noltei are presented. Based on the data obtained from laboratory analysis and field research, it has been established that the annual emissions of algae and grasses from the Caspian Sea can be used as raw materials for the production of polysaccharides, feed additives, mineral fertilizers and other types of products.