Study of the marine planktonic dinoflagellate Ceratium divaricatum (Dinophyceae), a confused and considerably variable species

The species Ceratium divaricatum (Lemmermann) Kofoid has largely been subject to misidentification and taxonomic confusion. The history of the species is complex: originally illustrated by Bergh (1881) as Ceratium tripos var., for which Lemmermann (1899) gave it the name Ceratium tripos var. divaricatum; the name Ceratium divaricatum was used by Kofoid (1908) with no specification of authors or references. It shows a high degree of morphological variation and development of autotomy of the apical and antapical horns. This great morphological variation has led to misidentifications in routine examinations of phytoplankton materials, and several names have been used for this species, including Ceratium dens, Ceratium porrectum and Ceratium tripos var. ponticum, as well as Ceratium balechii, a proposed new species for intermediate forms. Here, the species is redescribed, on the basis of material from Mexican Pacific coasts. Morphological and ecologic differences exist among this species and other closely related ones. Distribution of C. divaricatum is wider than previously documented (mainly because of previous misidentifications): the North Pacific Ocean, from British Columbia in Canada to temperate or subtropical waters of Mexico, and then is interrupted to reappear again in coasts of Peru and Chile, and also in coasts of the Benguela area, the South‐west Atlantic Ocean. In tropical and equatorial areas of the Pacific Ocean, a more delicate form occurs, herein proposed as a variety of this species: Ceratium divaricatum var. balechii. C. divaricatum and var. balechii may be relatively abundant, even producing non‐toxic red tides, in various spots along coasts of the Pacific Ocean (Canada to Mexico). It appears to be a neritic form, with high sensibility to changes in water temperature, and presumably associated to upwelling areas.     

ALGAE AS WATER QUALITY INDICATORS FOR A DYSTROPHIC POND

Information on the population structure of planktonic dinoflagellates is reported in the coral reef-mangrove ecosystem at Pelican Cays, Belize. Six sites examined included: Cat Cay, Douglas Cay, Elbow Cay, Fisherman's Cay, Lagoon Cay and Manatee Cay. A spectacular and rich dinoflagellate taxa including oceanic, coastal and offshore species are illustrated. The presence of oceanic species in the studied cays is an unexpected observation since dinolfagellate assemblages are virtually enclosed within ponds bordered by coral ridges that limits water exchange with the open ocean except during storm events. I am also reporting significant differences in the dinoflagellate associations among the studied cays. Dominant taxa included 16 Proroperidinium species, 11 Gonyaulax species, and ten Ceratium species. Only six planktonic species were harmful. Bloom forming species included Ceratium furca and Gonyaulax polygramma. A much more diverse authotrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellate population characterizes the Pelican Cays than previously suspected. Some species are reported the first time: Protoperidinium belizeanum sp. nov., P. pyrum Balech, P. steidingerae Balech, P. depressum (Bailey) Balech, and P. divergens (Ehrenberg) Balech. These results demonstrate that the Belizean coral reef-mangrove ecosystem is a delicate and species-rich environment, and as such, should be protected and preserved.     

Spatial and seasonal changes in the species composition of armored dinoflagellates in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Summary To compare the spatial and temporal (seasonal) distribution of dinoflagellates, vertical net hauls were taken along similar cruise tracks in the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea and across the Polar Front Zone in the austral spring and the austral fall. Sixty-three species of armored dinoflagellates were identified and enumerated. Chisquare and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed to define spatial and seasonal patterns in genera and species assemblages. The dominant genera were Protoperidinium, Dinophysis and Ceratium. The Polar Front Zone was an important biogeographical barrier with Blepharocysta, Gonyaulax, Heteroschisma, Oxytoxum and Podolampas occurring mainly north of the Front. Species found primarily in the austral spring were Ceratium fusus, Ceratium lineatum, Dinophysis antarctica, Dinophysis simplex, Gonyaulax digitale, Protoperidinium pyriforme and Protoperidinium variegatum. Austral fall species included Dinophysis tuberculata and Protoperidinium elegantissum. Distribution of armored dinoflagellates in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean is influenced at the generic level by spatial considerations, particular with relation to the Polar Front Zone, whereas species composition can be effected by both region and season.     

BIODIVERSITY OF PLANKTONIC DINOFLAGELLATE SPECIES IN MANGROVE PONDS,PELICAN CAYS,BELIZE

Information on the population structure of planktonic dinoflagellates is reported in the coral reef‐mangrove ecosystem at Pelican Cays, Belize. Six sites examined included: Cat Cay, Douglas Cay, Elbow Cay, Fisherman's Cay, Lagoon Cay and Manatee Cay. A spectacular and rich dinoflagellate taxa including oceanic, coastal and offshore species are illustrated. The presence of oceanic species in the studied cays is an unexpected observation since dinolfagellate assemblages are virtually enclosed within ponds bordered by coral ridges that limits water exchange with the open ocean except during storm events. I am also reporting significant differences in the dinoflagellate associations among the studied cays. Dominant taxa included 16 Proroperidinium species, 11 Gonyaulax species, and ten Ceratium species. Only six planktonic species were harmful. Bloom forming species included Ceratium furca and Gonyaulax polygramma. A much more diverse authotrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellate population characterizes the Pelican Cays than previously suspected. Some species are reported the first time: Protoperidinium belizeanum sp. nov., P. pyrum Balech, P. steidingerae Balech, P. depressum (Bailey) Balech, and P. divergens (Ehrenberg) Balech. These results demonstrate that the Belizean coral reef‐mangrove ecosystem is a delicate and species‐rich environment, and as such, should be protected and preserved.     

Vertical microscale patchiness in nano- and microplankton distributions in a stratified estuary

Microscale (decimetre) vertical heterogeneity in the distributionof nano- and microplankton was studied on August 23, 1999 attwo different sites (separated by ~40 m) in Aarhus Bay, Denmark.At the time of sampling, the water column was stratified withrespect to both temperature and salinity and a subsurface fluorescencemaximum (corresponding to ~10 µg chlorophyll a l^-1) occurredimmediately below the primary pycnocline (9 m). Samples forspecies identification were taken at the surface, near the bottomof the water column and at 20 15-cm intervals in and aroundthe depth of maximum fluorescence. The plankton communitiesrecorded in the three different regions of the water columndiffered dramatically from one another. In addition, significantdifferences were found in the distribution patterns of speciesand functional groups in the region of sampling around the fluorescencepeak. The same patterns in vertical species distributions wereobserved at the two stations. In the region surrounding thesubsurface fluorescence peak, diatoms were, generally, regularlydistributed, although the total diatom biomass decreased slightlywith depth. Dinoflagellate species were mainly non-regularlydistributed and could be divided into two groups: (i) autotrophicor potentially mixotrophic species (Dinophysis norvegica, Dinophysisacuminata, Dinophysis cf. dens, Prorocentrum micans, Gymnodiniumchlorophorum and Ceratium macroceros) that mainly decreasedin numbers with depth or were aggregated in their distribution;and (ii) heterotrophic or potentially mixotrophic species (Ceratiumlineatum, Ceratium longipes, Ceratium furca, Ceratium tripos,Ceratium fusus, Protoperidinium curtipes, Protoperidinium steinii,Diplopsalis spp. and Katodinium glaucum). In the latter group,the species mainly increased in numbers with depth or were randomlydistributed. Most ciliates were uniformly distributed verticallyin the water column. However, small cells of the photosynthesizingciliate Mesodinium rubrum were most abundant at the depth ofmaximal fluorescence while large M. rubrum cells were equallyabundant at all the depths sampled, suggesting the two sizegroups of this organism may differ ecologically. Overall, thestudy demonstrates that traditional plankton sampling methodsmay lead to misinterpretations of speciesco-existence and interactions.     

The colonial ascidian Didemnum sp. A: Current distribution, basic biology and potential threat to marine communities of the northeast and west coasts of North America

Didemnum sp. A is a colonial ascidian with rapidly expanding populations on the east and west coasts of North America. The origin of Didemum sp. A is unknown. Populations were first observed on the northeast coast of the U.S. in the late 1980s and on the west coast during the 1990s. It is currently undergoing a massive population explosion and is now a dominant member of many subtidal communities on both coasts. To determine Didemnum sp. A's current distribution, we conducted surveys from Maine to Virginia on the east coast and from British Columbia to southern California on the west coast of the U.S. between 1998 and 2005. In nearshore locations Didemnum sp. A currently ranges from Eastport, Maine to Shinnecock Bay, New York on the east coast. On the west coast it has been recorded from Humboldt Bay to Port San Luis in California, several sites in Puget Sound, Washington, including a heavily fouled mussel culture facility, and several sites in southwestern British Columbia on and adjacent to oyster and mussel farms. The species also occurs at deeper subtidal sites (up to 81 m) off New England, including Georges, Stellwagen and Tillies Banks. On Georges Bank numerous sites within a 230 km² area are 50-90% covered by Didemnum sp. A; large colonies cement the pebble gravel into nearly solid mats that may smother infaunal organisms. These observations suggest that Didemnum sp. A has the potential to alter marine communities and affect economically important activities such as fishing and aquaculture.     

Free-living dinoflagellates in the southern Gulf of Mexico: Report of data (1979–2002)

The present study is a report of data of planktonic dinoflagellates which includes a list of 252 species, with 10 985 entries in the southern Gulf of Mexico along with information concerning their occurrence. Material for the present study consists of water and net samples obtained during 11 cruises collected at 608 sites between June 1979 and December 2002. Ceratium (47 spp.), Protoperidinium (28 spp.), Dinophysis (26 spp.), Oxytoxum (19 spp.) and Prorocentrum (15 spp.) were the most diverse genera. The most common species found are Ceratium breve, Ceratium contortum, Ceratium furca, Ceratium furca var. eugranum, Ceratium fusus. Ceratium fusus var. seta, Ceratium kofoidii, Ceratium macroceros, Ceratium massiliense, Ceratium pentagonum, Ceratium teres, Ceratium trichoceros, Ceratium tripos, Dinophysis caudata, Ornithocercus magnificus, Podolampas palmipes, Prorocentrum com‐pressum, Prorocentrum gracile, Prorocentrum micans, Protoperidinium divergens and Pyrophacus steinii. Thirteen species are potential toxin producers, among which Karenia brevis was responsible for fish mass mortalities. Other toxic species such as Amphidinium carterae, Dinophysis acuta, Dinophysis caudata, Dinophysis fortii, Dinophysis mitra, Dinophysis rotundata, Dinophysis tripos, Prorocentrum mexicanum, Prorocentrum micans and Prorocentrum minimum were present mostly in net samples. The non‐toxic species Ceratium furca, Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense, Scripp‐siella trochoidea and Gonyaulax polygram ma were found in blooms during the summer. Qualitative data show that dinoflagellates occurred mostly during July and August, associated with hydrographic conditions. A checklist of the species and their occurrence are given.     

Mobile epiphytic invertebrates inhabiting the brown macroalga, Desmarestia chordalis, under the coastal fast ice of Lützow-Holm Bay, East Antarctica

The species composition of mobile epiphytic animals inhabiting the brown alga, Desmarestia chordalis Hooker and Harvey, in Lützow-Holm Bay, East Antarctica, was investigated. A total of 797 individual invertebrates in 22 taxa were collected from 3 clumps of algae. The assemblage was dominated by two amphipod crustaceans, Prostebbingia sp. and Haplocheira plumosa Stebbing, which composed 70.3% of the total number of individuals, followed by a gastropod species, Skenella paludinoides (Smith). The species composition differs from those found in previous studies conducted in Prydz Bay and Ross Sea, suggesting the existence of various types of epifaunal communities along the East-Antarctic coast.     

Detecting Invasions of Marine Organisms: Kamptozoan Case Histories

Detecting marine invasions can be challenging, especially for lesser-known taxa, and requires (a) thorough field surveys of the region of interest for members of the taxon, (b) systematic analyses to identify all species found, (c) literature searches for the worldwide distribution of these species and for previous records of the taxon in this region, and (d) application of rigorous criteria to assess whether each species found is native or introduced. We carried out these steps in order to detect and document kamptozoan (entoproct) invasions on the American mid-Atlantic coast. We report on the occurrence of two colonial kamptozoans (Barentsia benedeni, Loxosomatoides laevis) in Chesapeake Bay (Maryland and Virginia, USA). On the American Atlantic coast, B. benedeni had previously only been reported from Massachusetts, although this species has a worldwide distribution in bays and harbors. The genus Loxosomatoides had not previously been reported from North America and L. laevis was known only from India. Since the genus Loxosomatoides was very poorly characterized, we briefly review all four of its species, which differ only slightly from each other. We have also synonymized L. japonicum with L. laevis. We did not find any of the kamptozoan species previously recorded in surveys of Chesapeake Bay and the American Atlantic coast. This is the first detailed consideration of anthropogenic influences on kamptozoan distributions, and we emphasize that most kamptozoan species are cryptogenic pending further investigation.     

Impacts of a ‘black tide’ harmful algal bloom on rocky-shore intertidal communities on the West Coast of South Africa

Algal blooms commonly occur along the South African west coast. In March 1994 a dense bloom developed within St Helena Bay. Its subsequent decay caused near-shore hypoxia and elevated hydrogen sulphide levels, leading to it being termed a ‘black tide’. The bloom caused immediate massive intertidal mortalities (95% reduction of biomass), significant changes in community structure, and declines in richness and diversity. Only four taxa were not diminished: ephemeral algae, the gastropod Afrolittorina knysnaensis, the anemone Bunodactis reynaudi and the false limpet Siphonaria capensis. This limpet species subsequently increased at impacted sites relative to controls, probably reflecting reduced competition from other grazers. Ephemeral algae flourished during early recolonisation while grazers were depleted, but declined as grazers re-established. Manipulative experiments demonstrated that grazers do have this capability. Perennial algae also flourished, but lagged behind ephemerals, possibly contributing to their decline. Predators took longest to recover. Differences in the responses of species reflect differing tolerances, zonation patterns and biological interactions. Communities at control sites remained unchanged over the four-year study, and those exposed to a low intensity of the bloom were little affected, but communities exposed to its full intensity failed to recover fully within four years. Increasing frequency of harmful algal blooms along the west coast of South Africa could, therefore, significantly alter rocky-shore communities if intervals between bloom events become shorter than recovery times.     

Patterns of larval release in the Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria

Larval release patterns in brachyuran crabs are often synchronized with environmental cycles. While previous studies have focused extensively on supratidal and intertidal taxa, there have been relatively few investigations of subtidal species. This study examined patterns of larval release by the Florida stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, from three different tidal regimes. Ovigerous stone crabs were collected from Sebastian Inlet on the east coast of Florida, Tampa Bay on the west coast of Florida, and the Florida Keys. Patterns of larval release were monitored in the laboratory in relation to local tidal and diel cycles. Results showed a significant diel pattern in initiation of hatching by crabs from each of three study areas. Larval release consistently occurred during the diurnal phase despite the maintenance of females in constant laboratory conditions for up to 96 h prior to hatching. This implies that release may be controlled by a circadian clock. Patterns of release by stone crabs in relation to tidal cycle were more variable. Larval release by females from populations near Tampa Bay and Sebastian Inlet were not synchronized with the tides, whereas females collected from the Florida Keys exhibited a pattern that was strongly related to tidal cycle. These results may be explained by differences in tidal amplitude at the three sampling locations.     

Acclimation and introduction of hydrobionts ships’ ballast water organisms in the Port of Vladivostok

Work on the investigation of organisms of ballast water and sediments of ships sailing on Russia-Japan and Russia-China lines was started in the Port of Vladivostok for the first time for the Far East seas of Russia. In total, 145 taxa, 37 microalgal species, 24 holoplankton species, 22 meroplankton taxa, and 10 meiofauna groups were revealed, 24 species of microscopic mycelia fungi were attributed, and 28 morphologically distinct bacterial stains were isolated. Potentially toxic microalgal species were found: the dinoflagellates Dinophysis acuminate and Prorocentrum cordatum and the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia pungens. The tropical-subtropical copepod Pseudocalanus inopinus was recorded in ballast water. Polychaete larvae of the Polydora genus with an unusual morphology, which were not occurring in the Peter the Great Bay previously, were recorded as probable southern migrants from the coastal waters of the southwest coast of Honshu Island. Live larvae of the hermit crab Diogenes nitidimanus were revealed in ballast water, supporting the possibility of introduction of this species in the Peter the Great Bay. Based on an analysis of the total number of colony-forming units of heterotroph microorganisms (within the order of 10³–10⁴ cells/ml), the ballast water of ships sailing on the Russia-Japan line was characterized as moderately polluted. The detection of Escherichia coli strains, exceeding the standards quoted in the International Convention by three times or more, showed the potential danger of a mass bioinvasion. Conditionally pathogenic and toxinogenic mycelial fungi, which are able to induce mycoses and mycotoxicoses in invertebrates and fishes, were isolated from ballast water. It was determined that ballast water of the “rusty” type was poorly suited for the existence of zoo- and phytoplankton forms. In the case of the construction of an oil terminal in the Peter the Great Bay, a sharp increase of the introduction of exotic species via the ballast water and foulings of tankers is inevitable     

Occurrence of Diopatra marocensis (Annelida,Onuphidae) in the eastern Mediterranean

The present study deals with the presence of Diopatra marocensis in the eastern Mediterranean. This species is small-sized and inhabited muddy bottom near the opening of rivers or lagoons [salinity range: 33−39‰] in the Aegean and Levantine Seas, and reached a maximum density of 90 ind.m^-2 in Mersin Bay. This species might be an alien species that was introduced from the East Atlantic (near Gibraltar) to the eastern Mediterranean via ballast water of ships, as it has never been reported from the western Mediterranean Sea.     

Winter distribution of four species of the genus Ceratium from Cape Canaveral, Florida to Cape Henlopen, Delaware

Surface plankton tows with a modified 3/4 m Nansen net weremade along the east coast of the United States from Cape Canaveral,Florida to Cape Henlopen, Delaware. The armoured dinoflagellatesin the surface layer were found to form two distinct assemblages.The assemblage north of Cape Hatteras was composed exclusivelyof Ceratium tripos and C. macroceras. South of Cape Hatteras,except for an intrusion of Virginian Shelf Water into RayleighBay, the armoured dinoflagellates present in greatest numberswere C. trichoceras and C. massiliense. The two northern specieswere also present. In the warm oceanic and shelf waters southof Cape Hatteras, there were many tintinnids and foraminiferansin addition to the armoured dinoflagellates. The distributionpattern was in good agreement with high resolution infraredsatellite imagery of the Gulf Stream position off Cape Hatterasduring the sampling period.     

Occurrence of Amoebophrya spp. infection in planktonic dinoflagellates in Changjiang (Yangtze River) Estuary,China

The parasitic dinoflagellates in the genus of Amoebophrya can infect broad ranges of planktonic dinoflagellates, and transform algal biomass into organic matter that can be recycled within the planktonic community. The ecological significance of Amoebophrya spp. during harmful algal bloom (HAB) events was gradually recognized along with revelation of its host specificity and diversity in picoplankton communities. The eutrophicated coastal waters of China are frequently affected by HABs, particularly in Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuary and the adjacent East China Sea; while, no research has been conducted to explore the ecological roles of parasitism during HAB events and the related dinoflagellate bloom dynamics. For the first time, we confirmed the presence of Amoebophrya infections in the planktonic community of this region; six species of dinoflagellates were infected, including Ceratium tripos, Scrippsiella trochoidea, Gonyaulax spinifera, Gymnodinium sp., Gonyaulax sp. and an Alexandrium sp. Molecular sequences retrieved from environmental water samples revealed high genetic diversity of Amoebophryidae-like organisms in the water column. Amoebophrya-infected dinoflagellates were only observed in high salinity (>20) stations suggesting that salinity may be a factor limiting the distribution of Amoebophyra infections in natural environment. Whereas, no evidence of Amoebophrya infection was observed in the bloom-forming species Karenia mikimotoi, suggesting that K. mikimotoi in this region was likely free of Amoebophridae infection.     

Metazoan parasite diversity of the endemic South African intertidal klipfish,Clinus superciliosus: Factors influencing parasite community composition

The current trend in marine parasitology research, particularly in South Africa, is to focus on a specific parasite taxon and not on the total parasite community of a specific fish host. However, these records do not always reveal the ecological role of parasites in ecosystems. Thus, the present study aimed to determine which factors influence the parasite community composition of the endemic southern African intertidal klipfish, Clinus superciliosus (n = 75). Metazoan parasites were sampled from four localities (two commercial harbours - west coast; and two relatively pristine localities - southeast coast) along the South African coast. A total of 75 klipfish were examined for parasites, where 30 distinct taxa, representing seven taxonomic groups were found: Acanthocephala (4 taxa), Cestoda (2 taxa), Crustacea (5 taxa), Digenea (11 taxa), Hirudinea (2 taxa), Monogenea (1 taxon) and Nematoda (5 taxa). Results indicated that the main driver of diversity was locality, with the highest diversity on the southeast coast, most likely due to higher water temperatures and upwelling compared to the west coast. The parasite community composition of the klipfish was significantly influenced by water temperature and parasite life cycle. These results emphasise the importance of parasitological surveys including all parasite taxa in hosts from multiple localities and seasons, to better comprehend their ecological role.     

Morphological variation in the palaeonemertean Tubulanus annulatus (Montagu, 1804)

Previous studies on the palaeonemertean Tubulanus annulatus have hinted on possible geographic variation, or even a species complex. This study describes the variation in morphology, focusing on the characters that have been supposed to vary geographically. Specimens from the Swedish west coast (Tjärnö and Kristineberg), Scottish west coast (Millport), and the Mediterranean (Naples and Split) were included in the study. It is concluded that the pattern of variation in the studied characters do not correspond to geography and most of the character states previously thought to vary geographically are in fact found within one and the same population.     

Further evidence of spawning of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus L., 1758) and the tuna species (Auxis rochei Ris., 1810, Euthynnus alletteratus Raf., 1810) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea: preliminary results of TUNALEV larval survey in 2004

A tuna larval survey (TUNALEV) in the Northern Levantine Basin (Cilician Basin) was conducted onboard a trawler from 5 to 18 June 2004. To determine the spatial distribution and abundance of tuna larvae, Bongo 60 and Bongo 90 nets were used. Ichtyoplankton samples from 104 stations were taken. In total, 121 bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), 94 bullet tuna (Auxis rochei) and 22 Atlantic black skipjack (Euthynnus alletteratus) larvae were collected. In comparison with the other tuna larvae, the concentration of bluefin tuna larvae was highest in the Bay of Mersin. The collected larvae in this area were composed mainly of 5–9 mm size specimens.     

Chironomidae from marine coastal environments near St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Chironomid larvae and adults were collected from rock pool and intertidal sites between 1990 and 1994 on the exposed Atlantic coast and in more sheltered bays near St. John's. From several thousand specimens collected, 16 chironomid taxa were identified. Two were from intertidal habitats and the remainder occurred in rock pools. In intertidal habitats Halocladius variabilis was abundant in summer among clumps of fine filamentous algae, e.g. Pilayella littoralis. The previous Nearctic records of this chironomid were from Hudson Bay and Greenland although it is widespread in northern Europe. The other intertidal species, Telmatogeton japonicas, was recorded from one site, a rock outcrop on a beach in the mouth of a small stream. This Holarctic species has not been reported previously north of New York on the Atlantic coast. The rock-pool communities were dominated by Psectotanypus dyari, Cricotopus sylvestris, Psectocladius sordidellus gp, Orthocladius dubitatus, Chironomus riparius, and Tanytarsus sp. These taxa are known to tolerate sites with elevated salinity and/or conductivity and thus are present in polluted sites inland. The other eight chironomid species were rare and most were found at only one site. An exception was the Metriocnemus sp. collected in very low numbers at three sites and also collected previously during a survey of rock pools for larval mosquitoes in the same area. The current study shows that a diverse coastal chironomid community is present in the cold ocean habitats of eastern Newfoundland. The community is made up of both arctic and temperate faunal elements with widespread distributions not confined to coastal habitats. Ranges of temperature, salinity, conductivity and pH for the common species occurring in the rock pools are provided. The results suggest that coastal rock pool habitats could be a natural laboratory for studies on the evolutionary ecology of pollution tolerance in chironomids.     

Lichens on lignum in the coastal regions of western Spitsbergen (Svalbard)

Eighteen species of eleven lichen genera were found on driftwood and worked timber deposited on the beaches in the Hornsund and Billefjorden regions (the west coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard archipelago). Majority of them indicate low substrate specificity in the high arctic regions. Only three species (Caloplaca spitsbergensis, Lecanora mughicola, L. orae-frigidae) are typical for lignum. Most of the taxa are widespread in Svalbard. Species like: Caloplaca holocarpa, C. spitsbergensis, Protothelenella sphinctrinoidella, Rinodina archaea were sporadically reported till now. Lecanora mughicola was not reported from Svalbard up to the present and this is the first record of the species for the region.