On the distribution of the Pechora Sea zooplankton - (On the materials collected in August 1998)

The zooplankton community of the Pechora Sea was studied during cruise 13 o f RN Akademik S. Vavilov in August 1998. Using the cluster analysis and eco logical and geographical characteristics of some species, two main assembla ges of zooplankton (coastal and marinemarine) were described. Two sampling polygons-Varandey and Prirazlomnoye-located in the most freshened part of t he sea are distinguished within the coastal assemblage. By means of multidi mensional analysis it was revealed that the changes in the composition of t he zooplankton community are best correlated with the depth and salinity of selected regions of the Pechora Sea. The maximal variations of the zooplan kton biomass were indicated in the Varandey polygon, i.e., in the area wher e the waters of the Pechora River mix with the Atlantic origin waters. In t he other areas of the sea and, in particular, in two meridional transects, more gradual and determinate changes of the biomass were observed.