Sergeeva, Nelli G.Ürkmez, Derya2025-03-232025-03-2320172337-0173https://hdl.handle.net/11486/4436Deep-water meiobenthos of Turkish shelf has been evaluated at the Black Sea exit of Istanbul Strait (Bosphorus) and off Sinop peninsula as a result of three scientific cruises. Taxonomic diversity of meiobenthos communities was studied at the Black Sea exit of Bosphorus on a transect with a depth range of 75-300 m. The bottom sediments were collected at the area during two cruises, on board RV "Arar'' (of Turkey) and ''Maria S. Merian" (of Germany) in November 2009 and April 2010, respectively. Data on meiobenthos inhabiting both normoxic and extreme conditions was collected in the studied area and meiobenthos composition included 26 high level taxa. In addition, 2-3 morphotypes of benthic fauna were recorded as incertae sedis, which require further study. The number of higher taxa decreased from 22 to 14-8 when switching from oxygenic conditions (50-125 m) to the anoxic hydrogen sulphide environment (226-300 m). The constant components of meiobenthos included protists (Ciliophora, Gromiidea and soft-shelled Foraminifera), and metazoans were constantly represented by Nematoda and Harpacticoida. In 2011, a quantitative study on meiobenthic composition of the oxic/anoxic interface at the western part off Sinop Peninsula (Southern Black Sea) has also been investigated. The material was collected by ROVs during the expedition (Black Sea Leg) of the exploration vessel (E/V) Nautilus. Results showed that the taxa composition of meiobenthos ranged from 4 to 10 major groups. Free-living marine nematodes were numerically the dominant taxon at each station. Total abundances decreased in parallel to increasing water depth, hence decreasing oxygen levels.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessBosphorusMeiobenthosOxic/anoxic interfaceSinopTurkeyArticle1460732-s2.0-85035764830Q2