Evaluation of the stage of development of the littoral of Czorsztyński and Sromowiecki reservoirs (Pieniny Mountains, Poland) on the basis of analyses of meiobenthos assemblages

The paper presents the degree and directions of the development of the littoral of the Czorsztyński and Sromowiecki dam reservoirs through an analysis of meiobenthos assemblages. The performed research indicates that the two reservoirs reveal a different direction of development. The littoral of the Sromowiecki reservoir has more homogenous characteristics of the group of meiobenthos which can be compared to the groups of artificial ponds. On the other hand, the development of the meiobenthos group of the littoral of the Czorsztyński reservoir is closer to that of natural deep lakes. Sites with silty-sandy sediment lacking visible vegetation remain at an initial stage of development, which due to the composition of major meiobenthic taxa can be compared to morainic reservoirs with a short development history. The performed research indicates the usability of meiobenthos as a bioindex in the monitoring of dam reservoirs.