Data on the state of bottom vegetation and biotopes of marine protected areas (MPA), which are part of six specially protected natural areas (SPAs) of Sevastopol, are presented. Based on a synthesis of hydrobotanical studies for 2008-2018, the composition and structure of Cystoseira and Phyllophora phytocenoses, key for the coastal zone of the southwestern Crimea and the Black Sea ecosystem, are characterized; their species diversity, production indices, and distribution features are described. A comparative analysis of long-term changes showed that in the structure of the Cystoseira phytocenosis of MPAs there was an increase in the number of green algae, indicators of household pollution, the lower boundary of the distributions of both phytocenoses was halved. For the first time for the Sevastopol region, data are presented on the area of Cystoseira and Phyllophora biotopes, which amounted to 3323.5 and 430.5 ha, respectively (9 and 17.3% in the areas of protected areas). Scientifically based recommendations for the conservation and restoration of phytocenoses and biotopes of key species with high conservation status are proposed.
State of key phytocenoses of marine protected areas and problems their conservation (southwestern Crimea, Black Sea)