SAdriPlankt. Coastal eukaryotic plankton diversity of the southern Adriatic

The plankton community of the southern Adriatic (Mediterranean Sea) is subject to strong environmental fluctuations and changes, which underlines the need for frequent, reliable and comprehensive characterisation of the plankton. The aim of this study was to determine the taxonomic composition and seasonal distribution of eukaryotic plankton in the southern Adriatic. Plankton samples were collected monthly for one year at the coastal station of the southern Adriatic (Lokrum) and metabarcoding was used for taxonomic identification. The results showed a high taxonomic diversity and dynamic seasonal distribution patterns for both the protist and metazoan plankton communities. For the first time, a combined and complex analysis of the plankton community in this area was made by metabarcoding, analysing the main taxonomic groups of phytoplankton and zooplankton simultaneously in ecological assessment.