|
The
Black Sea is slowly recovering from a deep environmental crisis
it entered during the last few decades, when it has become one
of the most environmentally degraded regional seas on our planet.
Having in mind that 87% of the sea water is naturally anoxic, the Black Sea is
highly sensitive to anthropogenic impacts due to the huge catchment area and
almost landlocked nature. Every year, about 350 cubic kilometres of river water
pours into the Black Sea.
This water brings a variety of products originated from the activity of more
than 170 million people, who live in some of the most populated areas of the
17 different countries along river banks.
The sea continues to suffer from a long list of ailments:
pollution by land-based sources, losses of biodiversity as a consequence of pollution
and the destruction of habitats, overexploitation of marine living resources
leading to a collapse of fisheries, etc, having a significant impact on the ecosystem
health.
In addition, there were and still are problems associated with coastal
degradation, water borne diseases, the introduction of opportunistic exotic
species, and maritime pollution caused by the transportation of oil and other
hazardous substances.
more >> |
|
