MICROALGAE FROM THE COASTAL WATERS OF TYULENY ISLAND IN THE CASPIAN SEA
Aim. In this work, we set out to study the composition of a phytoplankton community in an important fishery area, the coastal water area of Tyuleny Island in the Caspian Sea. Methods. We present the results of seasonal observations (2016) on the state of phytoplankton in the coastal waters of Tyuleny Island in the Caspian Sea. In total, 120 phytoplankton samples were collected at four stations from the water surface layer (May-October) using the Nansen bottle and subsequent fixation by Lugol's solution. Sedimentation and concentration were carried out using standard procedures. The samples were processed in the Nageotte chamber with a volume of 0.1 ml under a light microscope. Results. According to the research results (2016), 103 species and varieties of microalgae were found in the phytoplankton samples collected from the water area of Tyuleny Island. The microalgae were represented by four divisions: Bacillariophyta - 49 species, Cyanophyta - 24 species, Chlorophyta - 23 species and Pyrrophyta - 7 species. The greatest species diversity of phytoplankton in the studied water area was noted during the autumn period (61 species). In general, phytoplankton was found to be distributed homogeneously throughout the coastal area of the island, with the biomass concentration not reaching 1 g/m<sup>3</sup>. Conclusion. In 2016, favorable hydrological and hydrochemical conditions for the development of microalgae were observed. The desalinated water around Tyuleny Island, which is well warmed in the summer and does not freeze in the winter, contributed to the development of rich flora. Although biomass values were not high due to the prevalence of small-celled microalgae in phytoplankton, in general, it should have a positive effect on the development of subsequent links in a trophic chain, as well as promote an increase in the productivity of waters of the Northern Caspian Sea.