Vaigach Island Research Articles

Characteristics of Genomes of Opportunistic Bacteria in Zoogenic Ecosystems of the Russian Western Arctic Islands

Introduction: Arctic ecosystems are the most important object of microbiological surveillance that helps monitor a rapidly changing natural environment affected by climate change and industrial development of the northern territories. Objective: To assess the epidemic potential of opportunistic bacteria associated with animals from the Arctic islands of the Barents and Kara Seas. Materials and methods: We have studied four strains of gram-negative opportunistic bacteria (Serratia fonticola, Aeromonas salmonicida, Yersinia kristensenii, and Yersinia rochesterensis) isolated in 2021–2022 during microbiological testing of 46 samples of zoogenic biologic materials from the natural ecosystems of Vaigach Island, Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land archipelagos. Genomes of the isolated microbial strains were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing system and, after de novo assembly using the SPAdes 13.0 genomic assembler, annotated with RAST (Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology). Results: The strains were shown to possess a number of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes, which allows them to be considered as potential pathogens. Classes A, B, and C beta-lactamases were found in the genomes of all the bacteria under study, and operons for siderophores and type IV secretion systems were typical of virulence factors. In addition, the pertussis-like YtxA enterotoxin was identified in Yersinia genomes. Conclusions: Our findings indicate the possibility of emergence of natural foci of notifiable infections on the islands in the high-latitude Arctic promising in terms of tourism development and economic growth.

Ненецкие святилища острова Вайгач: реальные и ирреальные грани

In the article, the author shares the results of field religious studies conducted in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug in 2013–2022. If the survey data gives a picture of a fairly secular worldview of the indigenous population of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Nenets), then deep semistructured interviews reveal a layer of current beliefs associated with the traditional religion of the Nenets. First of all, this concerns the veneration of sacred places. The author also refers to the factors that influenced the religiosity of the Nenets in the 19th and 20th centuries (Christianization and Soviet secularization), refers to the topic of the process of national revival of the Nenets that began in the 90s. Separately, it is said about the sacred Nenets center – Vaigach Island and the history of its research. In 1986, a unique Seven-faced idol was discovered there by a Marine Arctic complex expedition. The veneration of this idol can be traced throughout the twentieth century. The modern history of its removal from the island and return to its place is connected with this idol, which fully corresponds to the well-known folklore narrative of the “punishment of the blasphemer”. General conclusions are drawn about the importance of using qualitative research methods in religious studies to compile a three-dimensional picture of the modern religiosity of the Northern peoples. The veneration of their sacred places by the modern Nenets population of the NAO is part of the living religious tradition of this ethnic group, which still exists today despite the action of all destructive historical processes.

Genetic predictors of oxidative stress in the indigenous ethnous of the Arctic

BACKGROUND: Fundamental scientific research and practical medicine indicate that certain genes are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress.
 AIM: to determine the prevalence of polymorphic genes that cause oxidative stress in the Nenets ethnic group of the Vaigach Island of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug and compare it with that of other ethnic groups.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: A molecular genetic study of the genes involved in oxidative stress in 44 representatives of the Nenets ethnic group permanently residing on the Vaygach Island was carried out. Data were analyzed using the STATA 2016 program and Microsoft Excel 2010. The assessment of the deviation of genotypic distributions from the HardyWeinberg equilibrium was carried out using the Pearson 2 test. Calculations were performed using the online program HardyWeinberg equilibrium calculator (HWEC).
 RESULTS: The prevalence of the main polymorphic variants of the oxidative system genes in the studied ethnic group was similar to that in European populations, with the exception of the SOD2 (rs4880), CYP1A1 (rs1048943), CAT (rs1001179) with prevalences of 97,73%, 20,45%, 13,64%, respectively. The oxidative system genes: the SOD2 (rs4880 and rs1141718), and CAT (rs1001179) were specific to the indigenous ethnic group of Vaygach Island.
 CONCLUSION: The study of the nature of genetic diversity in specific geographical, ethnic groups will allow us to reconstruct the genetic history of populations, and identify traces of natural selection associated with adaptive variability.

ORAL HEALTH OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF VAIGACH ISLAND, ARCTIC RUSSIA

Introduction: Environmental, social and cultural factors are the main determinants of human health including oral health. However, the evidence on oral health among indigenous people of Arctic Russia is very scarce. Aim: To assess dental health among indigenous residents of the Arctic island of Vaigach. Methods: All 14 children and 24 adults of the Nenets ethnic group permanently living on Vaigach island (Arctic Russia) were examined. The prevalence and experience of dental caries was measured using the sum of decayed, missing and filled teeth in permanent and primary dentition (DMFT, dft, dft + DMFT). Oral hygiene was assessed by Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHIS). Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was studied by y Оral Health Imрact Рrоfile-14 (OHIP-14). The data are presented as medians with the first- and the third quartiles (Q1; Q3). Results: A moderate prevalence and low experience of caries was revealed among children of the indigenous ethnic group (dft = 1,5 (0,0; 4,5), dft + DMFT = 2,5 (1,0; 4,0)). All 100 % of adults had caries with DMFT of 15,0 (8,0; 25,5). As many as 42 % had a healthy periodontium, 33 % had gingivitis 25 % had periodontitis. At the same time, the level of hygiene was good and with low intensity of gingival inflammation (median OHIS = 1,0 (0,3; 1,0). Periodontal attachment loss of 0-3 mm and 4-5 mm was observed in 75,0 % and 4.2 % of participants, respectively. The level of dental care was insufficient 13,4 (0,0; 61,3) %. The median total OHIP-14 score was 6,5 (2,0; 12,0) suggesting a good level of OHRQoL. Conclusion: Our results warrant development of activities aimed at promotion of oral health and OHRQoL and prevention of caries and other oral diseases of the indigenous people in Arctic Russia.

Preliminary study of the benthic fauna in lakes of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and Vaigach Island (the Russian Arctic)

The biodiversity of freshwater fauna of the Arctic Islands of the Russian Federation is currently poorly studied and to date there are insufficient molecular genetic data concerning most of the taxa. This study presents the new data on species composition and distribution of freshwater benthic invertebrates in lakes of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and Vaigach Island based on both the published and the original records. A total of 29 species of invertebrates in 4 classes and 14 orders were found. Considering the published data, the list of species expands to 136 species. The copepod Mesocyclops leuckarti, the pontoporeid amphipod Monoporeia affinis, the ostracod Leucocythere mirabilis, and the mollusk Euglesa globularis were recorded for the first time from the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago. The oligochaete Rhyacodrilus coccineus, the stonefly Nemoura sahlbergi, the caddisflies Agrypnia obsoleta, Micrasema gelidum and Philarctus bergrothi were registered for the first time from Vaigach Island; P. bergrothi was also recorded for the first time from Europe. The crane fly larvae of Tipula (Arctotipula) were recorded as inhabitants of the bottom layer of Arctic lakes for the first time. The obtained molecular data are in accordance with the tabula rasa hypothesis that the invertebrate fauna of the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and Vaigach Island are the result of recent species immigration after the Last Glacial Maximum. Our data can be used in further ecological studies and conservation management. The molecular data are of considerable interest for the taxonomy and biogeography of the fauna of the Arctic islands during the Pleistocene.

Soil invertebrates occurrences in European North-East of Russia.

BackgroundThe European North-East of Russia is the territory which includes the Nenets Autonomous District, represented by the East European tundra (from Kanin Peninsula to Vaigach Island), Komi Republic with its taiga ecosystems and the Urals (Northern, SubPolar and Polar). Over 20 years of systematic studies of soil fauna in the studied region has resulted in a huge amount of data being accumulated that can be analysed from different positions. Considering that the representation of Russian soil biota data, especially from European North-East of Russia in the GBIF database is not large, our data are of great interest to the scientific world community. The accumulation of such data will solve questions on national and global scales using large arrays.This study produced a dataset containing information on occurrences on soil invertebrates (Lumbricidae, Chilopoda, Diplopda, Collembola, Elateridae and Staphylinidae) in the European North-East of Russia. The dataset summarises occurrences noted in natural and disturbed forests, tundra and mountain ecosystems.New informationData from 196 geo-referenced localities of European North-East of Russia (tundra, taiga and mountains ecosystems) have been collated. A total of 5412 occurrences are included in the resource. The current project surveys 13 species of earthworms, 20 species of millipedes, 246 species of springtails, 446 species of rove beetles and 60 species of click beetles. The diversity of soil invertebrates in the European North-East of Russia has not been fully explored and further exploration will lead to more taxa.

Дендрохронологическое исследование древесины в исторически значимых

Studies of wood in the Arctic were carried out on Vaygach Island, Hooker Island (Franz Joseph Land) and Novaya Zemlya. During the expedition “Arctic Floating University – 2013”, wood samples (cores) were taken from the buildings in key areas of the Arctic islands. Conforming to the wood samples we constructed tree-ring series and obtained floating chronologies, which were linked to dendroscales of standing trees with known year of each annual ring formation. Crossdating of floating chronologies was performed as follows. Dendroscale and floating chronology were overlapped and the synchronicity coefficient was calculated, then the dendroscale was shifted for a year and the coefficient was calculated again; the procedure was repeated until all possible options were checked. Visual similarity was assessed and the annual rings of floating chronology were dated based on the results with the maximum synchronicity coefficient, and the object was dated by the outermost ring. The year of formation of each annual ring of the buildings logs was determined by the dendrochronological method, resulting in assumption of the time of their construction, taking into account that it occurred a year or two after the tree felling. All the studied objects were located in areas with preserved history of their creation, which is highly important for confirming the objectivity of the obtained results. The dates of the buildings were determined as follows: Vaigach Island, 1945; Hooker Island (Franz Josef Land), 1936; the former bathhouse on Cape Zhelaniya (Novaya Zemlya), 1935; timber from the pillbox, 1938; the lighthouse, 1952; the frame on the coast of Ledyanaya Gavan’ Bay (Novaya Zemlya), 1938; a relatively modern building on the coast of the bay, 1991. Interesting to note that according to the obtained historical records the Lighthouse was built in year 1954, while dating by annual rings shows that the logs were in 1952 and they were probably imported in advance. The years for the construction research based on the use of the dendrochronological method opens up great opportunities at determining the age of unnamed wooden in the Arctic.

Integrated study of benthic foraging resources for Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) in the Pechora Sea, south‐eastern Barents Sea

Abstract The Atlantic walrus, Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus, forms a herd of nearly 4,000 heads in the Pechora Sea (south‐eastern Barents Sea). The Near Threatened status of O. rosmarus rosmarus and the relative isolation of the Pechora Sea population, as well as the potential impacts of human activities in the area, make it important to characterize key habitats, including feeding grounds, in order to protect the species. The aim of the present study was to integrate multiple sources of environmental and biological data collected by satellite telemetry, remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and benthic grab sampling to examine the distribution and diversity of benthic foraging resources used by walrus in the Pechora Sea. Analysis of satellite telemetry data from seven males tagged on Vaigach Island helped to identify areas of high use by walruses near haulout sites on Matveev and Vaigach islands, and in between. Field data were collected from those feeding grounds in July 2016 using ROV video recordings and bottom grab sampling. Analysis of 19 grab stations revealed a heterogeneous macrobenthic community of 133 taxa with a mean biomass of 147.11 ± 7.35 g/m2. Bivalve molluscs, particularly Astarte borealis, Astarte montagui, and Ciliatocardium ciliatum, dominated the overall macrobenthic biomass, making up two‐thirds of the total. Analysis of 16 ROV video transects showed high occurrences of mobile benthic decapods (3.03 ± 2.74 ind./min) and provided the first direct evidence that areas actively used by walrus in the Pechora Sea overlap with the distribution of the non‐native omnivorous snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio. Integrating multiple data sources provides an early foundation for the kinds of ecosystem‐based approaches needed to improve Pechora Sea resource management and to underpin Russia’s nascent marine spatial planning initiatives. Factors that need to be considered in marine spatial planning include impacts on benthic feeding grounds from offshore oil and gas development and the spread of the snow crab.

Morphological description and DNA barcoding of some Diamesinae (Diptera, Chironomidae) from the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago and the Vaigach Island (Russian Arctic).

Chironomids of the Diamesinae subfamily from the Russian Arctic were studied using both morphological characters and molecular data. Adult males of Diamesa urvantsevi sp. nov., D. amplexivirilia Hansen, Arctodiamesa appendiculata (Lundström) from Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago and D. arctica (Boheman), Pseudokiefferiella sp. from Vaigach Island were described, redescribed, annotated and figured. A reference 658 bp barcode sequence from a fragment of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was used as a tool for species delimitation. For D. arctica (Boheman) and Pseudokiefferiella sp. close DNA barcodes from Norway were performed, which allowed to relate these specimens to the described species. Comparisons with corresponding regions of COI between each described species and close related congeneric species produced K2P genetic distances of 0.11-0.16, values well associated with interspecific variation. Phylogenetic relationships for genera Arctodiamesa Makarchenko and Pseudokiefferiella Zavřel were reconstructed for the first time.

LIFESTYLE AND SELF-PERCIEVED HEALTH OF THE NENETS POPULATION LIVING ON THE ARCTIC ISLAND OF VAIGACH

The aim of this study was to study lifestyle and health status of the Nenets population permanently living on Arctic islands and to identify behavioral risk factors for health and well-being. Methods. All 48 Nenets at the age of 18 years and older who permanently live on Vaigach Island participated in this cross-sectional study. Data collection was performed according to the WHO STEPS tool. Results. The perception of health by the Nenets is satisfactory on average, which is explained by the young mean age of the population (42.5 years). The Nenets lifestyle is characterized by a wide spread of self-destructive behavioral strategies: poor nutrition (due to a lack of dietary products of plant origin and high salt intake) (100 %), smoking (98 %) and alcohol abuse (100 %). Conclusions: The results of the study warrant urgent development of preventive measures directed at health promotion among the Nenets population on Vaigach island and most likely in other areas populated by the Nenets minority.

Habitat Use by the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) along the Coastline throughout the Year According to Satellite Monitoring Data

A female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) has been captured and tagged with a satellite collar of the Argos system on Vaigach Island. The data of the location relative to the coastline in the Kara Gate from April 2016 to September 2017 have been analyzed. An analysis of the polar bear movement pattern has revealed periods of its greater (on the ice) and less (on the land) mobility and a movement direction. The largest area of the polar bear habitat on an average monthly scale was in May 2016, when moving on the finely crushed ice; the smallest area was in January 2017 on the land without ice. We have estimated the distance to the coast to analyze the use of environmental resources (27% of the time on the coast, 33% on the inland, and 40% in the offshore). As follows from the comparison with our previous studies, the bears adhere to the land even during the sea-ice season.

Chlorophenol compounds in freshwater lakes of subarctic regions

Chlorophenol compounds, representing a group of chlorinated phenols and their derivatives, are ionic compounds with different degree of hydrophobicity, lipophilicity and acidity. As potential anthropogenic sources of pollution of ecosystems by chlorophenol compounds is the regional atmospheric transport of these compounds from the territories of border regions. At the same time, the sources of the diversity of chlorophenol compounds are the natural processes of enzymatic biosynthesis in the components of the environment. These compounds are especially dangerous for the Arctic and subarctic ecosystems, since the conditions of the cold climate contribute to their longterm preservation, which increases their negative impact on living organisms.The research area includes subarctic small thermokarst lakes located in the central part of Vaigach Island and in Bolshezemelskaya tundra.The isolation of chlorophenol compounds from bottom sediment samples was carried out by accelerated liquid flow-through extraction with a hot mixture of organic solvents with extraction of easily and hardly extractable chlorophenol compounds and subsequent analysis on a gas chromatograph with an electron-capture detector. The total content of chlorophenol compounds was determined by summing their concentrations in the easily and hardly extractable fractions.The bottom sediments of the investigated lakes were characterized by a relatively high content of chlorophenol compounds. Toxic pentachlorophenol was found only in the sediments of lake Tundra Bolshezemelskaya. The revealed presence of chlorophenol compounds in the bottom sediments of the investigated lakes suggests their spread in the environment by atmospheric transport from abiogenic sources, as well as natural enzymatic and biochemical processes in these Arctic waters.

STUDY OF STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPOSITION OF SOIL HUMUS ACIDS OF EURO-ARCTIC REGION BY MOLECULAR ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY (UV / VISIBLE)

Results of the structural and functional composition of soil humus acids in the Euro-Arctic Region are presented. The molecular absorption spectroscopy (UV / visible) was used to evaluate eco-protective role of soils in relation to heavy metals, which is especially important for the sensitive soils of the Arctic, formed under the influence of cryogenic processes. Different types of soils of the Euro-Arctic region: gleyish easy loamy pelosi on loamy moraine (Kanin Peninsula, Cape Kanin Nos); humus peat oligotrophic soil (Kolguev Island, Bugrino village); typical non-calcic loamy gley soil (Vaigach Island); gray humous iron sandy lithozem (Archipelago Franz Josef Land, Heys Island) were analyzed. An alkaline solution of sodium pyrophosphate was used to extract humus acids for investigate of the structural and functional composition. Humic, fulvic and gimatomelanic acids were extracted from a humus by conforming solvents with additional fulvic acids extraction by adsorption chromatography using activated carbon as a sorbent. UV mini-1240 spectrophotometer (Shimadzu) was used to record the UV / visible spectra using 0.005% alkaline solutions (0.1 N NaOH) of humus acids. It was demonstrated that humic and gimatomelanoic acids of humus peat oligotrophic soil have more developed peripheral aliphatic component. These acids have more ability to bind heavy metals and show their eco-protective role. The humus acids of other types of soils region have a more developed aromatic component in the Euro-Arctic. Such parameters as: calculated by the Pieravuori formula aromaticity, extinction coefficient Е0.005%1cm,465, adsorption ratio D400 /D600, characterizing the degree of humification and the adsorption ratio D465 / D650, characterizing the degree of aromatic nucleus condensation and conjugate fragments were used in the quantitative assessment of the nature of humus acids. Quantitative analysis of UV/visible spectra confirmed that the maximum barrier mechanism with respect to heavy metals will be the humic and gimatomelanoic acids of humus-peat oligotrophic soil, due to the high content of phenolic and carboxyl groups in these molecules, oxidation and a more developed chain of conjugated bonds in them in comparison with other acids. However, it was found that in all types of soils studied the process of humus formation proceeds mainly by a degradation type, that is, in the direction of formation of fulvic acids. Forcitation:Prilutskaya N.S., Korel'skaya T.A., Popova L.F. Study of structural and functional composition of soil humus acids of euro-arctic region by molecular absorption spectroscopy (UV / visible). Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2018. V. 61. N 2. P. 97-103

Mpact of ice conditions to the navigation in the Novaya Zemlya and Spitsbergen region in XVI–XVII centuries

In the 16th–17th centuries, West European navigators made numerous but mostly unsuccessful efforts to open a new way, i.e. the North-East Passage, to China and India. Among three possible routes of that time the basic one ran through straits of the Vaigach Island but it was almost impassable due to heavy ice situation. At the same time Russian merchants regularly went on their ships from Pomorie to Siberian river mouths, and in the opposite direction, though they did also meet complicated ice situations. Russian navigator and geographer F.P. Litke (1797–1882) noticed that the ice situation in one or another region of the Barents Sea seriously changed from year to year. Russian navigation started in the Russian Pomorie (littoral region of the Russian Arctic) not earlier than at end of June – beginning of July but Europeans knew nothing about this. Because of this, their ships came to the Vaigach region either earlier or later of the time when it was possible to go through the straits. Most often, they came here in the first half- and mid-August. Thus, western sailors could not get this quite narrow navigation «window» of pomors (Russian navigators). And if sometimes (rather rarely) they could catch the right time and go through the strait Yugorski Shar they met extremely heavy ice situation in the Kara Sea. Perhaps for this reason, almost all European expeditions of that time failed.

Occurrence of a Sphaerium species (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae) of Nearctic origin in European Arctic Russia (Vaigach Island) indicates an ancient exchange between freshwater faunas across the Arctic

Although a recent series of studies has examined the phylogeography and diversity of Arctic invertebrates related to the glacial history on a pan-Arctic scale, large gaps remain in the knowledge on the origin, dispersal and biogeography of freshwater mollusks in the Russian Arctic. In samples from two lakes on Vaigach Island, Arctic European Russia, we found five specimens of an undescribed Sphaerium species (Bivalvia: Sphaeriidae), which is most closely related to Nearctic species (particularly Sphaerium rhomboideum), with the majority of known occurrences in the Great Lakes region of North America. This finding suggests a Nearctic rather than Palearctic origin of this lineage. Genetic evidence demonstrated the existence of freshwater refugia in the European Arctic during the last glacial maximum, and a Nearctic origin of the Vaigach lineage would suggest the existence of a phylogeographic element distinct from other bivalve molluscs of Northern and Alpine Europe origin inhabiting the European Arctic.

Reproduction of Pisidium casertanum (Poli, 1791) in Arctic lake.

Freshwater invertebrates are able to develop specific ecological adaptations that enable them to successfully inhabit an extreme environment. We investigated the brooding bivalve of Pisidium casertanum in Talatinskoe Lake, Vaigach Island, Arctic Russia. Here, quantitative surveys were conducted, with the collection and dissections of 765 molluscs, on the basis of which analyses on the brood sacs length (marsupia) and the number and size of embryos, were performed. In this study, the number of brooded embryos was positively correlated with the parent's shell length. The number of extramarsupial embryos was much lower than the number of intramarsupial embryos. Our research also showed that the brood sac length and embryos within one individual can vary significantly. Thus, we detected that P. casertanum has a specific brooding mechanism, accompanied by asynchronous development and embryos release by the parent. We suggest that such a mode could result in the coin-flipping effect that, presumably, increases the population breeding success in the harsh environment of the Arctic lake.

Anthropogenic changes of permafrost in the European North and their consequences

The anthropogenic changes of permafrost are studied at the key sites in the European North, i.e., Koida Village (Mezen’ tundra), Nes’ Village (Kanin Peninsula), Shoina Village (Kanin Peninsula), Mezen’ Town, Vashutkiny Lakes (Bol’shezemel’skaya tundra), Amderma (Yugorskii Peninsula), and the northern part of Vaigach island. Geocryological characteristics of the sites are provided, and the main types of anthropogenic changes in permafrost conditions are described.

Gamasid mites (Parasitiformes, Mesostigmata) of the European arctic and their distribution patterns

Analysis has been completed of all the available material on gamasid mites from insular and continental territories of the Barents Sea region. A total of 116 species has been revealed, including 9 new to science. The species Gamasus armatus L. Koch, 1879 is transferred to the genus Gamasodes Oudemans, 1939, thus becoming Gamasodesarmatus (L. Koch, 1879), comb. n. Six species of gamasid mites occur even at the thermal limit in the Northern Hemisphere, on the ice-free grounds of Franz Josef Land (with mid-July temperatures ranging from −1.2°C to +1.6°C). On Svalbard, 25 species have been recorded, as compared to 27 on Novaya Zemlya, 39 on Vaigach Island, 43 on Kolguev Island, 50 in the Pechora Bay, 37 on Kanin Peninsula, and 58 on the Eastern Murman coast. Despite the differences in the quality and quantity of material obtained during 30 years from numerous collectors, a relation between species diversity and summer heat supply has been revealed (linear regression coefficient: 0.816; significance level: 99%). The most diverse families are Ascidae (23 species, including 20 species of Arctoseius), Parasitidae (15, including 6 species of Vulgarogamasus), and Zerconidae (14, including 11 species of Zercon). The species Zercon michaeli Halaskova, 1977, Zercon solenites Haarlov, 1942, Parasitellus papei (Karg, 1985), Parasitellus arcticus (Karg, 1985), and Halolaelaps gerlachi Hirschmann, 1966 have been recorded in Russia for the first time. The species Zercon acanticus Blaszak, 1978, Poecilochirus nordi Davydova, 1971, Euryparasitus tori Davydova, 1970, Gamasellus tundriensis Davydova, 1982, Arctoseius nikolskyi Makarova et Petrova, 1992, and Neoseiulus ellesmerei (Chant et Hansell, 1971) are new to the European list. The specific gamasid mites associated with lemmings or bumble-bees are absent on Franz Josef Land and Svalbard, since both archipelagoes were almost completely glaciated in the Late Pleistocene. An obviously temporary population of a member of the family Macrochelidae, namely, of the dung-compost cosmopolitan species Macrocheles muscaedomesticae (Scopoli, 1772) was first recorded in the High Arctic (Spitsbergen). Distribution ranges of many species, mainly of those of the genus Arctoseius, lie within the Metaarctic (sensu Yurtsev, 1977). High Arctic patterns have been confirmed for Arctoseius tschernovi Makarova, 2000, A. babenkoi Makarova, 2000, A. productus Makarova, 2000, Neoseiulus sp. aff. tibielingmiut (Chant et Hansell, 1971). However, quite a few of the species traditionally considered as “arctic” and inhabiting mainly arctic landscapes in North America and the western Palaearctic, have also been found in the Siberian mountains as far southwards as the Altai-Sayan mountain system: Antennoseius oudemansi (Thor, 1930), Proctolaelaps parvanalis (Thor, 1930), Zerconopsis labradorensis Evans et Hyatt, 1960, Zerconmichaeli, Zercon solenites, etc. Similar arcto-montane patterns have also been revealed for some “mountain” species: Trachytes hirschmanni Hutu, 1973, Syskenozercon kosiri Athias-Henriot, 1976, Veigaia belovae Davydova, 1979, Iphidinychus gaieri (Schweizer, 1961), and Zercon spp. As the climate becomes milder, the total share of arctic and arcto-montane species in the individual regions of the European Arctic gradually drops from 100% (Franz Josef Land) to 12% (Eastern Murman coast).

Distribution, Composition, and Vertical Fluxes of Particulate Matter in Bays of Novaya Zemlya Archipelago, Vaigach Island at the End of Summer

An analysis of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and phytoplankton distribution, composition and vertical particle fluxes in Russkaya Gavan’ Bay (Northern Island of the Novaya Zemlya), Bezymyannaya Bay (Southern Island of the Novaya Zemlya), Dolgaya Bay (northwestern part of the Vaigach Island) in comparison with the data from the Svalbard Archipelago is presented. Field studies were carried out by the authors during the 9th expedition of the RV “Professor Logachev” in September 1994, the 11th, 13th, and 14th expeditions of the RV “Akademik Sergey Vavilov” in September-October 1997 and August-September 1998. The data about Spitsbergen fjords are from literature. Our results show that, on the bays of the Barents Sea islands, most SPM stays in the bays (fjords) and only small part of it reaches the open sea. This is due to the hydrodynamic conditions in the bays, the large size of the particles, flocculation, and often to the morphological barriers in the relief at the bay entrances. It is important for ecological purposes to map out migration pathways of the SPM with pollutants from bays to the open sea. Results of our investigation indicate that the western bays of the Novaya Zemlya act as traps for SPM derived from glaciers and coastal abrasion.

Climate change and consequences in the Arctic: perception of climate change by the Nenets people of Vaigach Island

BackgroundArctic climate change is already having a significant impact on the environment, economic activity, and public health. For the northern peoples, traditions and cultural identity are closely related to the natural environment so any change will have consequences for society in several ways.MethodsA questionnaire was given to the population on the Vaigach island, the Nenets who rely to a large degree on hunting, fishing and reindeer herding for survival. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted about perception of climate change.ResultsClimate change is observed and has already had an impact on daily life according to more than 50% of the respondents. The winter season is now colder and longer and the summer season colder and shorter. A decrease in standard of living was noticeable but few were planning to leave.ConclusionClimate change has been noticed in the region and it has a negative impact on the standard of living for the Nenets. However, as of yet they do not want to leave as cultural identity is important for their overall well-being.