Black Sea

The Black Sea is an inland sea that connects to the Mediterranean Sea through the narrow Strait of Istanbul (formerly the Bosporus) and the Sea of Marmara. It is bordered by six countries: Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia. The Black Sea is known for its unique ecosystem, characterized by low oxygen levels in the deeper waters and a thriving surface layer. It is a significant waterway for trade and transportation, with major ports in Istanbul, Constanța, Odessa, and Novorossiysk.

Smooth Scallop – Flexopecten glaber

European Flat Oyster, Edible Oyster, Common Oyster – Ostrea edulis

John dory – Zeus faber

Black goby – Gobius niger

Blackmouth catshark – Galeus melastomus

Three-spined stickleback – Gasterosteus aculeatus

Bucchich’s goby – Gobius bucchichi

Rock goby – Gobius paganellus

Blunt-snouted clingfish – Gouania willdenowi

Annular seabream – Diplodus annularis

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Geography and Geology

The Black Sea is an enclosed basin with an area of approximately 436,400 square kilometers (168,500 square miles). Its maximum depth is 2,212 meters (7,257 feet). The sea is believed to have formed around 7,500 years ago as a result of the rising sea levels after the last glacial period. The Black Sea basin is surrounded by mountains, including the Caucasus Mountains to the east, the Pontic Mountains to the south, and the Carpathian Mountains to the west.

Fauna and Flora

The Black Sea is home to a diverse range of marine life, including:

  • Fish: Anchovies, mackerel, bonito, tuna, bluefish, flounder, mullet, sturgeon, and sprat
  • Mammals: Bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, harbor seals, and monk seals
  • Birds: Pelicans, cormorants, gulls, and terns
  • Invertebrates: Crabs, shrimps, jellyfish, and anemones

The Black Sea's ecosystem is unique due to its low oxygen levels in the deeper waters, known as the "Black Sea anoxic zone". This condition is caused by the limited circulation of water in the basin. The lack of oxygen limits the diversity of deep-water species, but it allows for the accumulation of organic matter, creating a rich environment for specific bacteria and other organisms.

History and Culture

The Black Sea has been a vital waterway for centuries, playing a role in trade, migration, and conflict. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, established settlements and empires along its shores. The Black Sea region has also been a focal point of cultural exchange, with influences from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Current Issues

The Black Sea faces various environmental challenges, including:

  • Pollution: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage contribute to pollution and threaten marine life.
  • Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing practices deplete fish populations and disrupt the marine ecosystem.
  • Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures and changing weather patterns impact marine life and coastal communities.

Efforts are underway to address these issues through international cooperation, sustainable management practices, and conservation initiatives.