Kurbangul Aytbayeva 1,2, Kydyrbay Kaipov 1, Suroj Kurbanboev 3, Barno Kobulova 4, Shavkat Shernazarov 5, Begnazar Dustov 5, Dilafruz Kamalova 6, Nilufar Odilova 6, Alisher Khujanov 2, Rakhmonov Vakhob 2,3, Nodirjon Bobokandov 3* and Yigitali Tashpulatov 3
1Karakalpak State University named after Berdakh, Nukus, Uzbekistan; 2Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov, Samarkand, Uzbekistan; 3Samarkand Agroinnovations and Research University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan; 4Bukhara State Technical University, Bukhara, Uzbekistan; 3Samarkand State University of Veterinary Medicine, Livestock and Biotechnologies, Samarkand, Uzbekistan; 6Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
*Corresponding author: nboboqandov@gmail.com
Water resources in the Republic of Karakalpakstan are relatively abundant compared to other regions of Uzbekistan; however, their efficient use is limited by environmental and hydrological constraints. Amu Darya River represents the main freshwater source supporting irrigated agriculture and aquaculture production. Climate change effects in Central Asia are especially evident in the lower reaches of this river, altering hydrological regimes and affecting the ecological stability of aquatic ecosystems. Under these conditions, aquaculture has become a strategically important sector contributing to regional food security and economic development. Currently, more than 130 fish farms operate across approximately 82,300ha, producing nearly 20,000t of marketable fish annually. Algae constitute an essential component of aquatic ecosystems and play a key role in regulating water quality, trophic conditions, and biological productivity in aquaculture ponds. Investigation of algal biodiversity, community composition, and ecological distribution under different environmental conditions provides valuable information on ecosystem functioning and productivity potential. Application of indicator-saprobic algae enables a reliable assessment of the ecological and sanitary status of water bodies and serves as an effective tool for biomonitoring. Analysis of algal communities enables the identification of ecological changes, the evaluation of anthropogenic influences, and the improvement of aquaculture management strategies. Comprehensive assessment of algal flora, therefore, provides a scientific basis for water quality monitoring, enhancement of fish productivity, and the sustainable development of aquaculture systems in the lower Amu Darya region.