The distinction between the two abbreviations is unclear, as different taxonomists have used them with slightly different meanings. The abbreviation aff. preceding a taxon name literally means “related to” (L
The two terms open water and ice-free waters can easily be assumed to have the same or very similar meanings. Although both terms indicate that ships can navigate freely, they are not the same. The definitions of these two terms are as follows: 2.5. Mode of operation in ice-covered water...