Phytoplankton communities of Volga Reach open shallows of Rybinsk Reservoir at the area affected by the vital activity products of grey heron (Ardea cinerea L.)

Abstract

Changes in phytoplankton community composition typical for the increase in water trophic level had been noticed in 2009–2011 at the site of the open shallow of the Volga Reach in Rybinsk Reservoir (Volga), which is under the impact of grey heron colonies. The reduction in floristic abundance, the increase in the phytoplankton total biomass, and the increase in the proportion of phytophlagellates (cryptophytes, euglenales, dinophytes, and chrysophytes, as well as flagellar forms of green algae) were registered at the heronries. Changes in phytoplankton communities were temporary and were related to the heron nesting period; these allow us to consider the studied site a “traumatic” ecotone.