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Regional Studies in Marine Science, vol.96, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study aimed to examine the seasonal structure of microzooplankton-dominated zooplankton assemblages and their relationship with physicochemical variables in the Tatlıgöl and Hersek lagoons in Türkiye. Seasonal sampling was carried out at three stations in each lagoon during four periods (August 2014, March 2015, November 2015, and May 2016). Zooplankton samples were collected using standard plankton nets and sampling devices, and identified under a light microscope. Key physicochemical parameters were also measured. A total of 44 zooplankton taxa were identified in Tatlıgöl (mainly small-bodied rotifers), while 11 taxa were found in Hersek. Redundancy Analysis was used to evaluate the effect of environmental variables on species distribution. In the Tatlıgöl Lagoon, salinity, conductivity, temperature, and pH were found to be the most influential factors. For example, Trichocerca iernis , Brachionus calyciflorus , and Keratella tropica showed strong positive correlations with salinity and conductivity, especially in May. Brachionus urceolaris and Calanipeda aquaedulcis were associated with higher temperatures in August, while Filinia longiseta and Synchaeta oblonga were linked to pH and depth in November. In the Hersek Lagoon, Brachionus plicatilis showed a positive correlation with salinity and temperature (August). Conversely, Synchaeta grandis and Acartia sp. exhibited strong negative correlations with these variables, consistent with the March sampling period. Nevertheless, correlations between zooplankton species and environmental variables were confined to limited ranges. Exceeding these values may impose constraining effects on community structure. These findings highlight the critical influence of salinity and temperature on shaping zooplankton communities, providing useful insights for monitoring and managing coastal wetlands under changing climate conditions.The observed patterns largely reflect the dominance of small-bodied zooplankton taxa in both lagoon systems.