A zooplankton -- based study of coastal lakes

Brackish estuarine water bodies situated in the Polish Baltic Coastal Zone, including smaller and bigger lakes (including Sarbsko, Lebsko, Gardno, Wicko, Kopan, Bukowo, Jamno, Resko Przymorskie, Liwia Luza, Koprowo and Wicko Wielkie were studied. Despite their similar genesis and geomorphological type, the lakes are known to be characterized by different hydrological and hydrochemical conditions, determined by predominance of terrestrial or marine factors. The origin of Polish coastal lakes and transboudary water bodies is attributed to the history of the Baltic Sea and the last glaciation. In consequence coastal brackish waters are known to be inhabited by both marine and freshwater organisms.