Environmental Conditions and the Fish Stocks Situation in the Black Sea, between Climate Change, War, and Pollution

Abstract

Climate change, pollution, capture, invasive species, and the war from Ukraine have a significant impact on the environment and fish populations in the Black Sea. In June last year, on the Romanian and Bulgarian seashore, large amounts of algae, dead fish, and jellyfish were discovered. The ongoing depletion of fish stocks necessitates extensive research, concerning their living conditions, reproduction, population, and migration. This paper starts by presenting the environmental conditions for air, sediment, and water up to 60 m, based on direct monitoring and measurements realized between 2014 and 2020. The recent war has affected the environmental conditions of the sea, especially near Snake Island and Crimea Peninsula, well known for fish reproduction. A dedicated paragraph presents the sources of water pollution, with direct effects on eutrophication, fish reproduction, and their populations. The appearance and development of some invasive species, which influence the local fish populations, are also illustrated. All these new factors associated with the capture quotas are responsible for decreasing the number of fish species and their populations in the Black Sea. Finally, some discussions are mentioned, which are necessary to be followed in order to restore the fish stocks.