Floating seaweeds and associated fauna in the White Sea

Floating seaweeds and associated fauna in Kandalaksha, Onega, and Dvina bays and in the Gorlo of the White Sea were studied. The bulk of the drifting objects were composed of various algae of the Fucus, Chorda, and Chordaria genera. In these drifting communities, 82 different animal and plant species were encountered. The drifting objects were most abundant in Kandalaksha and Onega bays. The minimal abundances were detected in the Gorlo and in Dvina Bay. The total abundance and biomass of the drifting seaweeds and animals were estimated as 25.5 million individuals and 24.2 thousand tons, respectively. The role of the phenomenon considered in the distribution of the animals and seaweeds and in the balance of matter and energy in the White Sea is discussed.