Strategic Research Agenda for the Black Sea Basin

BLACK SEA

Black Sea Strategic Research Agenda WP 8 Task 8.1

Deliverable 8.1.1

April 2012

Author: TUBİTAK

1 SEAS‐ERA D.8.1.1 – Strategic Research Agenda for the Black Sea Basin

Black Sea Strategic Research Agenda

Grant Agreement n° 249552

Acronym: SEAS‐ERA

Title: Towards Integrated Marine Research Strategy and Programmes

PROPRIETARY RIGHTS STATEMENT

THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION, WHICH IS PROPRIETARY OF THE SEAS‐ERA CONSORTIUM. NEITHER THIS

DOCUMENT NOR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE USED, DUPLICATED OR COMMUNICATED BY ANY

MEANS TO ANY THIRD PARTY, IN WHOLE OR IN PARTS, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE SEAS_ERA

COORDINATOR. THIS RESTRICTION LEGEND SHALL NOT BE ALTERED OR OBLITERATED ON OR FROM THIS DOCUMENT.

WP 8: Black Sea Region

Task 8.1: Strategic Analysis in the Black Sea

Task Leader/Author: TÜBİTAK

Deliverable N°: 8.1.1

Security: PU


Summary

One of the important outputs of the Black Sea WP of SEAS‐ERA Project in to develop a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for the Black Sea. This document is the output of a long process which includes consultations with the partner institutions, regional experts and two Strategic Analysis Workshops. Specific objectives of the SRA are:

Supporting the needs of Black Sea states stemming from international policy/legislation

Dealing with regional ecosystem problems

Strengthening international cooperation of the coastal states with ongoing and new actions and tools

Prioritising new topics and approaches at regional level

Supporting to multi‐disciplinary marine and maritime research in support of good (holistic) governance of environmental protection with human capacity building component at the national and regional level

Providing scientific and management tools

Identifying cross‐cutting issues to support research and their realization This SRA will be the basis for future activities of the WP8. It is also supposed to contribute to the Pan‐European Strategic Research Agenda which will be one of the important outcomes of the SEAS‐ERA Project.

Overall Coordination of the Work and the first drafting of the SRA is done by Dr. Çolpan Polat

Beken (TÜBİTAK/MRC) and Tarık Şahin (TÜBİTAK). Dr. Violeta Velikova (ex‐Pollution

Monitoring and Assessment Officer of the BSC PS) and Prof. Ahmet Erkan Kıdeyş (ex‐

Executive Director of the BSC PS) introduced valuable inputs for overall consistency of the SRA

via reviewing each section and helped TÜBİTAK in providing experts contacts.

Contributing experts are indicated at the end of the document and appreciated herewith for

their dedicated contributions.

Special thanks to Mrs. Alison Kıdeyş who helped for language editing and Mr. Alexander

Vershinin for providing most of the photos used in the document.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 3 1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 4

1.1. The SEAS‐ERA Project ............................................................................................................................ 4 1.2. A Common Structure for the Sea Basin Strategic Research Agenda ..................................................... 5

2. A SHARED VISION FOR THE BLACK SEA ........................................................................................................... 6 3. THE BLACK SEA BASIN: REGIONAL SPECIFICITIES AND THE CONTEXT ............................................................ 7 4. A STRATEGIC RESEARCH AGENDA FOR THE BLACK SEA BASIN: OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS ....................... 13 5. SPECIFIC RESEARCH PRIORITIES FOR THE BLACK SEA BASIN . ..................................................................... 15

5.1. Basic Research & Fundamental Understanding .................................................................................. 16 5.1.1. Understanding the geological structure and dynamics of the Black Sea Basin as a

primary factor influencing its general evolution .................................................................... 16 5.1.2. Physical climate, hydrological cycle, ventilation and inter‐basin

coupling .................................................................................................................................. 17 5.1.3. Understanding climatic variability and climate change impacts on coastal and

offshore ecosystems in the Black Sea including the effects of ocean acidification ............... 19 5.1.4. Changes in biodiversity and habitats, noting the introduction and

impacts of invasive species .................................................................................................... 22 5.1.5. Understanding and governing eutrophication of coastal waters and open sea:

Biogeochemical and primary biological basic processes, mechanisms and consequences ......................................................................................................................... 24

5.1.6. Ensuring Good Water/Sediment/Bioresources/Beach Quality for Human and Ecosystem Health (including litter) ........................................................................................ 26

5.1.7. Deep‐sea research ................................................................................................................. 28 5.2. Applied Research: Science supporting Society & Maritime Economy ................................................. 30

5.2.1. Renewable energy .................................................................................................................. 30 5.2.2. Exploitation of mineral resources, energy and communication projects .............................. 31 5.2.3. Maritime transport ................................................................................................................ 32 5.2.4. Fishery and aquaculture with focus on preservation and sustainable use of marine

living resources ...................................................................................................................... 33 5.2.5. Marine biotechnology ............................................................................................................ 35 5.2.6. Cross‐cutting issues ................................................................................................................ 36

5.2.6.1. Natural hazards and risk assessments ................................................................... 36 5.2.6.2. Socio‐economic research ....................................................................................... 39 5.2.6.3. Marine spatial planning and marine protected areas (MPAs) ............................... 40 5.2.6.4. ICZM, links with MSP & IRBM, coastal sciences & engineering ............................. 42

5.3. Research Support and Cross‐cutting Issues for Fundamental and Applied Research ......................... 45 5.3.1. Development of support tools for policy implementation ................................................... 45 5.3.2. Observation and forecasting systems for operational oceanography ................................... 46 5.3.3. Marine research infrastructure .............................................................................................. 47 5.3.4. Human capacity building ........................................................................................................ 49

6. HIGH‐LEVEL ROADMAP ................................................................................................................................. 50 6.1. Short Term ........................................................................................................................................... 50 6.2. Long Term ............................................................................................................................................ 52

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS ........................................................................................................................................ 58 ABBREVIATIONS and ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................................... 62 SEAS‐ERA BLACK SEA PARTNERS ........................................................................................................................... 67


1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. The SEAS‐ERA Project

The FP7 SEAS‐ERA Project (2010‐2014) is a

Network of Marine Research Funding

Organisations (an ERA‐NET) consisting of 21

partners and two Third Parties from 18

Member and Associated Member States

(Annex 1) located along the European

seaboard in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean

and Black Sea (www.seas‐era.eu).

The principle aims of the SEAS‐ERA Network

are to improve co‐ordination between

nationally funded competitive marine

research programmes, to facilitate enhanced

co‐operation in addressing shared

opportunities and challenges, to ensure better

use of existing resources and capacities, to

bridge identified gaps, to avoid duplication, to

jointly fund strategic projects of mutual

interest and, in so doing, contribute to the

sustainable development of the marine

resource and improve the establishment of

the marine component of the European

Research Area (ERA)1.

The SEAS‐ERA project builds on the experience

of the previous FP6 ERA‐NETS: MarinERA

(http://marinera.seas‐era.eu/) which involved

16 partners from 13 countries and which

organised a joint €5 million call for proposals;

AMPERA (www.cid.csic.es/ampera/index.php)

involved 10 partners from 8 countries and

organised a joint €2.25 million call for

proposals; and MariFish (www.marifish.net)

with 18 partners from 16 countries organised

a joint €4.1 million call for proposals and

common programming within five given

topics.

1http://ec.europa.eu/research/era/index_en.htm

Buy SmartDraw!- purchased copies print this document without a watermark .

Visit www.smartdraw.com or call 1-800-768-3729.

Fig. 1: Geographical Distribution of SEAS‐ERA Partners

For operational and management purposes,

the SEAS‐ERA project is divided into three

regional “Sea Basins” (i.e. the Atlantic, the

Mediterranean and the Black Sea), with each

region deciding on its own priorities, and

seven thematic work packages: Strategic

Analysis; Common Programmes; Joint Calls;

Infrastructures; Capacity Building;

Dissemination and Co‐ordination and

Management.

SEAS‐ERA Task 1.1 aims at undertaking an

inventory and an analysis of existing national

and sub‐national science and technology

strategies. This task was designed to:

Inform the development of the Sea

Basin Strategic Research Agendas

(SEAS‐ERA Task 6.1, 7.1 and 8.1)

Inform the development of Common

Programmes (SEAS‐ERA WP2) and

Joint Calls (SEAS‐ERA WP3).

SEAS-ERA Partn.BONUS Partn.SEAS-ERA Partn.BONUS Partn.


1.2. A Common Structure for the Sea Basin

Strategic Research Agenda

The development of a common structure 2(Box 1) for the three SEAS‐ERA Sea Basin

Research Planswas facilitated by Partner 18

(Marine Board‐ESF) withinSEAS‐ERA WP1.2, in

liaison with the regional SeaBasin Leaders:

Partner 7 (GSRT/HCMR, Greece) for the

Mediterranean; Partner 9 (Marine Institute,

Ireland)for the Atlantic Sea Basin and Partner

15 (TÜBİTAK, Turkey) for the Black Sea.

The Black Sea Strategy is policy‐oriented to

2 The common structure approach allows for regional

specificities to be addressed, while, at the same time, providing consistency and ensuring comparison of the resulting outputs. While a common structure was agreed in preparing the draft marine research plans, approaches to the development of these differed from one Sea Basin to another.

specifically respond to regional environmental

priority issues agreed by the 6 Coastal

MemberStates (BS SAP 2009). These are

coupled with new innovative topics to

incorporate research support tools. A Draft

document was prepared by the Task Leader

based on the regional issues and proposed

research priorities during the 1st Regional

Workshop (March 2011). Following this

workshop, regional experts and Advisory

Board Members were consulted to contribute

to the process. These contributions produced

a second draft that was circulated among the

Project Partners, and a wider group of Black

Sea Experts (October‐November 2011) to

obtain general comments to aid final editing.

A second Regional Workshop (December

2011) was organized to finalize the document.

The SRA domains are:

The “Policy” – the SRA will focus on the

relevant policies/legislation implementation

(or development of new policies) taking into

consideration the need to harmonize

environmental protection practices within the

Black Sea countries.

The “Knowledge” and “Tools” – the SRA

section where the core scientific and

technological work shall be carried out in

support of informed decision‐making.

The “Capacity” building – the SRA will provide

the necessary information for strengthening

the institutional framework of research in the

Black Sea region.

The “Users” involvement ‐ where the results

and capacities developed by the SRA

implementation will be shared with and

explained to stakeholders, both through

training programmes and outreach activities.

Box 1. Common Structure of the SRA for

Sea Basins:

1. Introduction (1 page); 2. A Shared Vision for the [ ] Sea Basin 3. The [ ] Sea Basin: Sea basin specificities, critical regional issues, challenges and opportunities – related to policy, management, environmental and scientific matters. 4. A Strategic Research Agenda for the [ ] Sea Basin Objectives and Benefits 5. Specific Research Priorities for the [ ] Sea Basin

5.1.Basic Research & New Knowledge incl. climate change, new frontiers research (e.g.Deep‐sea) 5.2.Applied Research: Science supporting Society and Economy: Applied science themes incl. e.g. blue biotech, marine renewable energy, transport, etc.) 5.3.Research Support & Cross‐Cutting Issues.

6. High‐level Roadmap. Short, medium, long‐term priorities timeline, milestones, review, etc.).


2. A SHARED VISION FOR THE BLACK SEA

The vision for the Black Sea is to preserve its

ecosystem as a valuable natural endowment

of the region, whilst ensuring the protection

and rational use of its marine and coastal

living resources as a condition for sustainable

development of the Black Sea coastal states,

well‐being, health and security of their

population (Ref: BS SAP, 2009).

This vision can only be achieved by

commitments at all levels of society. Clear

focused national and joint research

programmes and multi‐disciplinary projects

will form the scientific basis while political

vision and commitment, ownership and

funding by different stakeholders representing

various sectors, regional and pan‐European

cooperation at all levels, appropriate

regulation and governance at national and

regional levels will be requirements.

SEAS‐ERA is the second joint action among

national research funders3 for the Black Sea

region ‐ after Black Sea ERA‐NET ‐ having

committed to the goal of continued future

cooperations which face the multifaceted

environmental challenges of river basins,

coastal and marine waters of the Black Sea.

3Funding organizations from the Black Sea coastal states.


3. THE BLACK SEA BASIN: REGIONAL SPECIFICITIES AND THE CONTEXT

The Black Sea is one of the most remarkable

regional seas in the world, being almost

completely separated from the rest of the

world's oceans and embodying an abyssal

basin with maximum depth of 2300 m

adjoining a very wide continental shelf area.

Its waters are permanently stratified under

the influence of fresh water supplied by large

rivers (Fig. 2) and the inflow of Mediterranean

water through the Bosphorus (Istanbul) Strait.

The Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits

interconnected by the marginal

intercontinental Sea of Marmara form the

Turkish Straits System (TSS).

Fig. 2: The Catchment Area of the Black Sea

http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/map_of_the_black_s

ea_basin

The Black Sea is considered to be a fantastic

laboratory naturally hosting oxic, hypoxic and

anoxic water masses permanently existing due

to strong vertical stratification. While strong

vertical stratification supports isopycnal

distribution of various biogeochemical species,

the wide range of redox conditions supports

specific processes rendering the Black Sea a

unique place to study the Earth System

responses to climate changes and

anthropogenic forcing. Since a large part of

the basin (i.e. approx. deeper than 100 m) is

anoxic, life forms in the Black Sea display

limited diversity and almost all pelagic and


benthic fauna and flora dwell in the shallower

or upper oxic water layers.

Besides its natural peculiarities and

disadvantages4, the long‐term and intensive

anthropogenic pressures exerted on the

system aggravated the threats to the Black

Sea ecosystem related to climate change5.

Large amounts of various pollutants (oil, trace

metals, nutrients, pesticides, etc.) have been

discharged from coastal sources to the

nearshore waters since the 1960’s. Excessive

nutrients are considered to be the most

persistent in negative effects comparing to all

other pollutants. Their input via rivers,

agricultural drainage waters, and insufficiently

treated municipal/industrial wastewaters has

increased many‐fold over the last few

decades1 supporting progressive cultural

eutrophication. The latter has led to radical

changes in the Black Sea ecosystem since the

1960s and especially after 1970s when

critically important key habitats disappeared

from the large shelf areas. It has been

scientifically and politically accepted that

eutrophication has caused a major trans‐

boundary impact on water quality, biological

diversity, bio‐resources abundance, adversely

affecting all sectors relying on marine services.

It was also recognised that other

anthropogenic forces like overfishing and the

use of destructive fishing techniques, coastal

zone mismanagement and the introduction of

invasive species (most notably the ctenophore

jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi) simultaneously

occurred further damaging the functioning of

this ecosystem through trophic cascades.

Recovery started by mid‐90s via efficient

functioning of river basin management plans

4Since the Black Sea is virtually isolated, and its resilience to change is weak. The presence of a permanent anoxic zone is an additional risk factor. 5Climatic changes are associated with increased frequency in floods, north‐bound movement of species, sea‐level rise, etc.

and less extensive use of fertilizers for

economic reasons. Consequently,

anthropogenically‐induced hypoxic conditions

at the sea shelf almost disappeared and

biodiversity in benthic flora and fauna

increased. The appearance and establishment

of the predator of Mnemiopsis (Beroe ovata)

was seen to improve certain ecosystem

parameters.

Fig. 3: Good and bad invaders: The ctenophore Beroe ovata of the Black Sea with a semi‐digested Mnemiopsis leidyi specimen in its stomach. (Photograph by Ahmet E. Kideys)

More than 300 rivers contribute inflow to the

Black and Azov Seas. The northwestern Black

Sea receives the discharge of the largest rivers

in the Black Sea drainage area ‐ the Danube

River with a mean water discharge of about

200 km3/yr and the Ukrainian rivers Dniepr,

Southern Bug and Dniestr contributing with

about 65 km3/yr.

The influence of the Danube River and its

large Delta is predominant regarding the

sedimentation on the northwestern Black Sea

shelf area, and not only. The Delta impact on

hydrographic processes, transport of species

and the gene pool formation, chemical

content of water and sediment, migrations of

fish populations and birds, etc., etc. opens a

broad range of scientific challenges.


Box 2. Ecosystem Quality Objectives (EcoQOs) that are set by the BS SAP (2009): EcoQO 1:Preserve commercial marine living

resources a. Sustainable use of commercial fish stocks

and other marine living resources. b. Restore/rehabilitate stocks of commercial

marine living resources. EcoQO 2: Conservation of Black Sea

Biodiversity and Habitats a. Reduce the risk of extinction of

threatened species. b. Conserve coastal and marine habitats and

landscapes. c. Reduce and manage human mediated

species introductions EcoQO 3: Reduce eutrophication EcoQO 4: Ensure Good Water Quality for

Human Health, Recreational Use and Aquatic Biota

a. Reduce pollutants originating from land based sources, including atmospheric emissions.

b. Reduce pollutants originating from shipping activities and offshore installations

From this perspective, the existence of the

Danube Delta – the Europe’s largest deltaic

system further increases the special

characteristics of the Black Sea.

Impacts of climatic variability and/or climate

change are clearly indicated by the arrival of

more Mediterranean species and

establishment of new niches in the Black Sea,

phenological changes in biota, direct

correlations between sea water temperature

changes and abundance/biomass of species

(plankton to fish) as well as variations in the

dissolved oxygen content of upper water

column layers.

At a regional level, the four priority trans‐

boundary problems for the Black Sea

ecosystem, re‐confirmed by TDA (2008,

http://www.blacksea‐

commission.org/_tda2008.asp ) and by the

SAP (2009), are (1) eutrophication/nutrient

enrichment, (2) changes in marine living

resources, (3) chemical pollution (including

oil), (4) biodiversity/habitat changes, including

alien species introduction. The BS SAP (2009)

defined the Ecosystem Quality Objectives

(EcoQOs) to manage these four trans‐

boundary environmental issues (see Box 2).

The Causal Chain Analyses in the 2008 Black

Sea TDA found climate change to be a

contributory factor to all four trans‐boundary

problems. The same analysis also concluded

that the four trans‐boundary problems cannot

be dealt with individually. It is stated that

“improvements in management of one

problem will have knock‐on effects for other

problems, and addressing individual causes is

likely to improve the situation with regard to

at least two, if not more, of the four

environmental problems”.

Clear, coherent scientific understanding of

coastal margins (both land and water) and

efficient management of human activities in

these areas are vitally important for achieving

all EcoQOs listed in Box 2.

The geographical scope for the BS SRA is

accepted as defined by the Bucharest

Convention and its Protocols as the marine

and coastal waters of the Black Sea proper.

However, in terms of linkage to the

Mediterranean, the Turkish Straits System as

well as the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait will

also be considered in the context of the SRA.

It is also aimed to integrate events within the

catchment basins of rivers draining into the

sea (Fig. 2). Hence, the Black Sea with its

watersheds (catchment area), being one of

the LMEs of the world with ecology dissimilar

from that of the adjacent seas and ocean, is

considered in the context of the SRA.


The regional Black Sea institutional

framework for the protection of the marine

environment involves two regional

organizations: the Commission on the

Protection of the Black Sea against Pollution

(Black Sea Commission, BSC), established in

1992 through Article 17 of the Bucharest

Convention and supported by the United

Nations Environmental Programme, and the

Organization of the Black Sea Economic

Cooperation (BSEC), also established in 1992.

The Black Sea Commission (www.blacksea‐

commission.org) was established exclusively

for the protection of the Black Sea marine

environment and is composed of the Black Sea

coastal states only; whereas BSEC the most

institutionalized and inclusive regional

organization, promotes cooperation in many

different fields over a wider Black Sea area6.

(see http://www.bsec‐organization.org).

Environmental protection is one of the fields

of cooperation among the BSEC countries

which includes, inter‐alia, regional reviews of

perspectives to provide a legal framework for

a green economy; including climate change

within the environmental strategy for the

protection of the Black Sea; enhancing

cooperation with other international

organizations dealing with protection of the

marine environment etc. A green energy

development has been recently established as

a subarea of cooperation within the broader

energy sector. Another topic BSEC deals with

is science and technology, closely related to

the goal of SEAS‐ERA: Promoting regional

cooperation in the field of science and

technology, putting knowledge to the

forefront of its activities, setting up joint

research projects and programs and greater

valorisation of the scientific and technological

6The area includes the territories of the following member states: the Republic of Albania, the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Bulgaria, Georgia, the Hellenic Republic, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Turkey and Ukraine.

potential are the main objectives. Integration

with European programs and projects

(Framework Program 7) and developing

cooperation between other international

organizations are among the main objectives

of the BSEC Member States. BSC and BSEC

have granted each other the observer status,

established close cooperation and may jointly

participate in the implementation of regional

projects.

The Bucharest Convention and its Protocols

together with their implementation plan, SAP,

constitute the regional legal/policy framework

for the protection of the Black Sea

environment. The Black Sea Commission (BSC)

is made up of one member from each of the

six national governments. Six regional activity

centers and six thematic advisory groups of

the BSC contribute to the regional

implementation scheme.

International institutions committed also to

the protection, preservation and rehabilitation

of the Black Sea marine environment are the

European Union7, GEF/UNDP8, International

Maritime Organization (IMO)9, Memorandum

of Understanding on Port State Control in the

Black Sea Region (MoU PSC)10, International

Commission for the Protection of the Danube

River (ICPDR)11, Danube Commission, United

Nations Economic Commission for Europe

(UNECE)12, United Nations Environment

Programme (UNEP)13, Agreement on the

Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea,

Mediterranean Sea and continuous Atlantic

area (ACCOBAMS)14, Organization for Security

7E.g. Danube Black Sea Task Force (DABLAS): set up in 2001 with the aim to provide a platformfor cooperation to ensure the protection of water and water‐related ecosystems in the Danube andthe Black Sea. 8http://www.thegef.org/gef/ 9http://www.imo.org/Pages/home.aspx 10http://www.bsmou.org/ 11 http://www.icpdr.org/ 12 http://unece.org/

13 http://www.unep.org/ 14 http://www.accobams.org


and Co‐operation in Europe (OSCE)15, NGOs16,

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

and others.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic

Commission of UNESCO (BlackSeaGOOS,

ODINBLACKSEA): At the Eighteenth Session of

the Intergovernmental Oceanographic

Commission of UNESCO (IOC), the Assembly

adopted a resolution (Resolution XVIII‐17,

UNESCO, Paris, 7‐9 June 1995) which

established the IOC Black Sea Regional

Committee (BSRC). The First Session of the

BSRC was held in Varna, Bulgaria, (10‐13

September 1996). Two Pilot Projects "The

Assessment of Sediment Fluxes in the Black

Sea" and "The Black Sea GOOS" (named PP1

and PP2 in the following) were discussed

extensively and programs were developed.

The Black Sea GOOS MoU was signed by all

Black Sea countries, in 2001. This MoU serves

as the initial document for the Black Sea

GOOS, as an informal association whose

members seek to foster co‐operation with the

Global Ocean Observing System. The Black Sea

GOOS was established with the participation

of Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey

and Ukraine with the recognition of the

importance of existing systems in research

and operational oceanography. By signing, the

MoU, countries become members of the Black

Sea GOOS, and agree to co‐operate in

promoting the GOOS in the Black Sea basin.

Black Sea GOOS activities are designed to

foster cooperation in operational

oceanography in the Black Sea basin. To

collaborate with and to maximise the benefits

from the existing activities of the EuroGOOS

and the Med‐GOOS, promoting the

integration of these activities within the

framework of the GOOS. The first Black Sea

GOOS Strategic Action and Implementation

15http://www.osce.org /index.php 16 http://www.bseanetwork.org

Plan (IOC/INF‐1176) was adopted in 2003 and

the second in 2010.

At the Nineteenth Session of the IOC

Committee on International Oceanographic

Data and Information Exchange (IODE‐XIX,

Trieste, Italy, 12‐16 March 2007) the project

document for the establishment of the Ocean

Data and Information Network for the Black

Sea Region (ODINBLACKSEA) was adopted.

Recognising that the lives of at least 160

million people are profoundly influenced by

the Black Sea and considering that all riparian

countries depend to a large extent on marine

and coastal resources, the ability to acquire,

manage, archive and disseminate data, as well

as the capacity to generate products and

services in support of decision making and

management of the Sea and Coastal Zones is

of vital importance. The Ocean Data and

Information Network for the Black Sea Region

(ODINBLACKSEA) Project is proposed to

respond to these needs through: (i) providing

assistance in the development, operation and

strengthening of National Oceanographic Data

(and Information) Centres and to establish

their networking in the region; (ii) providing

training and education in marine data and

information management, taking into account

the requirements of operational

oceanography; applying standard formats and

methodologies as defined by the IODE; (iii)

enhancing national and regional awareness of

Marine Data and Information Management;

(iv) assisting in the development and

maintenance of national and regional marine

data, metadata and information databases; (v)

assisting in the development and

dissemination of marine data and information

products and services, meeting the needs of

user communities at the national and regional

levels, and responding to national and

regional priorities; (vi) undertaking the

ODINBLACKSEA activities in close

collaboration and networking with other


relevant organizations, programmes and

projects operating in the Black Sea region; and

(vii) undertaking the above activities applying

modern technologies for data collection,

processing, storage and dissemination.

Black Sea cooperation has been activated by

many pan‐European, regional scale and

bilateral/multilateral projects between the

Black Sea countries. Investigating and

understanding the Black Sea ecosystem and its

problems at regional and sub‐regional scales

have been supported by different donors like

EU, UNDP/GEF, NATO, WB, EBRD, UNEP,

IMO, SIDA.

The EU Framework Programme(s) (IV‐VII)

funded daNUbs, EUROGEL, IASON, SESAME,

HERMES, HYPOX, MEECE, ODEMM,

THRESHOLDS, PERSEUS, and many others to

tackle with Black Sea ecosystem issues

considering both climatic and anthropogenic

forces.

Another group of EU FP (VI, VII) Projects are

focused on the achievement of efficient

governance practices including ecosystem‐

based management to support sustainable

development in the Region, like INTERREG

PlanCOAST, SPICOSA, ENCORA, DEDUCE,

KnowSeas, ODEMM, PEGASO and COCONET.

GEF funded and executed through UNDP

BSEP17 and BSERP18(Phase I and II) projects in

support of the Bucharest Convention

implementation. It contributed to sustainable

human development in the Black Sea area

through reinforcing the cooperation of the

Black Sea countries to take effective measures

in reducing nutrients and other hazardous

substances to levels necessary to permit Black

Sea ecosystem recovery.

17Black Sea Environment Program 18Black Sea Environment Recovery Project

EU/TACIS/EuropeAid Projects, such as ECBSea,

SASEPOL served to strengthen regional

cooperation for the protection of the Black

Sea.

Projects focused specifically towards

improving the monitoring and forecasting

capacities and the operational status of

oceanographic services in conjunction with

better management of data collection and

networking of the Black Sea scientists

are:ARENA (FP5), ASCOBOS (FP6), ECOOP

(FP6), MONINFO (EC), BS SCENE/UBBS (FP6,7),

SEADATANET I/II (FP6,7) EnviroGRIDS (FP7),

EMODNET. Such projects have had valuable

impact on networking and capacity building in

the Black Sea marine research area.

In relation to the development of GMES core

services, MyOcean (FP7) has also played an

important role through its implementation in

the Black Sea. Finally, the EC EuroARGO

Project (part of GOOS) has enhanced efforts to

deploy argo floats in the Black Sea to support

GMES services and did the advancement of

operational monitoring in the Black Sea

region.

The Black Sea Era Net Project (2009‐2012) is

crucial for the region since it aims to identify

thematic priorities (i.e. environment, health,

energy, marine and maritime research) not

only for a Joint Call but also for the Black Sea

Research Programme (BSRP), a programme

that aims to establish sustainable and long‐

term cooperation in the region. The ERA NET

RUS Project (2009‐2013), on the other hand, is

a project that is specifically dedicated to

Russia; however, it also covers other

important countries from the Black Sea

region. Through a different approach to

innovation, academic science and technology

cooperation, the project aims to foster

collaboration between the private sector and

universities.

13 SEAS‐ERA T.8.1 – Strategic Research Agenda for the Black Sea Basin

4. A STRATEGIC RESEARCH AGENDA FOR THE BLACK SEA BASIN: OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS

The overall objective of the SRA is to support

actions aimed at keeping the Black Sea

environment healthy with all its ecosystem

goods and services functioning whilst

economic recovery and further development

in the region are also being pursued.

While the overall objective aims to support

avoiding conflicts between nature well‐being

and human interest, the specific objectives of

the SRA are targeted at those domains of

Black Sea environmental research and

protection where the BS states need to

primarily concentrate their efforts at working

jointly for the benefit of the Black Sea and

those people living in the region. Besides the

environmental protection, it also aims to

tackle the maritime sectors; like transport,

energy and fisheries and their emerging

research needs in the SRA for the socio‐

economic welfare of the region.

From an end‐user perspective, progress in our

knowledge of Black Sea macro‐system

dynamics is vital for a better understanding of

interactions between ecological and socio‐

economic systems so as to respond to

environmental change whilst avoiding social‐

ecological mismatches. Applied science must

contribute to the development of new multi‐

scale models which span the entire range from

local, regional to global multi‐national

decision‐makings. Special attention must be

paid to the science policy interface to better

ground the scientifically developed decision‐

support tools for good governance and

adaptive management.

The specific objectives of and the expected

benefits from the SRA are:

1) The SRA will respond to the

requirements of the Bucharest Convention

and its four Protocols, BS SAP 2009 and the EU

Marine Strategy as the major environmental

management policies in the Black Sea region

having common goals/objectives. The SRA will

also take into account the requirements of

other relevant EU directives and international

agreements (ACCOBAMS, Espoo, IMO

Conventions, etc.) for improved cooperative

management of the Black Sea coastal and

marine areas. Therefore, the SRA will support

the needs of the BS states stemming from

international policy/legislation.

2) The SRA will deal with regional

ecosystem problems (Box 2) prioritising

research for achievement of both good

environmental status (GES) of the Black Sea as

stated in the MSFD and/or the long‐term

Ecosystem Quality Objectives (EcoQOs) set by

the BS SAP 2009. International cooperation

should continue by the existing mechanisms

and be further strengthened through actions

such as the common programming of the

coastal states.

3) The SRA will include conventional as

well as new subjects (new frontiers) for a

better understanding of the Black Sea

evolution and complexity. It will also aim to

achieve progress towards supporting green–

economy policies, valuing and promoting

investment in natural capital towards

achieving the overall Vision. Therefore, new

topics and approaches will be selected which

have priority at a regional level for improving

scientific observations and knowledge in a

harmonized manner directed at informed

decision making and innovation in research.

4) Multidisciplinary research, including

socio‐economy, is the asset of the Black Sea

sustainability focused model which is

associated with the ongoing process of

development of new management

frameworks in the Black Sea region,

encompassing ICZM, ecosystem‐based


Box 3. SRA Implementation Principles

Utilization of knowledge, achievements, outputs and products of past projects based on lessons‐learnt and building on current EU and Black Sea Regional initiatives.

Streamlining ongoing project activities to avoid overlap.

Consultation and stakeholders involvement.

Capacity building and networking;

Promoting ownership and public‐awareness.

Regional partnership and international cooperation.

adaptive, and integrated river‐basin

management, and market‐based instruments.

The BS SRA aims to contribute to this process

by encouraging and supporting science

integration towards the successful

implementation of the BS SAP 2009

management targets and the MSFD objectives

realization (where applicable). The SRA

facilitates the step by step transition from the

current fragmented system to fully integrated

management accompanied by relevant

institutional framework development. Multi‐

disciplinary marine and maritime research in

support of good (holistic) governance of

environmental protection with human

capacity building component at the national

and regional level is looked for.

5) The SRA will aim to provide scientific

and management tools. This would include

guidance and support for improved

monitoring and quantitative assessments of

drivers, pressures, state, impacts, response

and recovery of the BS which at first requires

the further development and harmonisation

of the Black Sea observation systems

including monitoring activities,

data/information management tools, and

multi‐disciplinary and multi‐scale modelling.

6) It will identify the cross‐cutting issues

to support research and their realization.

Marine research infrastructure,

communication and promotion of science,

needs in harmonization and training,

exchange of good practices, utilization of

new technologies, further networking

including the private sector and national

funding bodies are among the key issues.

Beneficiaries of the environmental issues and

their management actions including RTD (as

re‐drawn from the TDA2007 in Annex I) were

identified as 42 institutional and stakeholder

groups based on their specific involvement

in/contribution to management and/or

protection of the Black Sea (per se the trans‐

boundary issues identified in the BS SAP2009).

The approach proposed for the SRA

implementation includes the following

principles (Box 3):


5. SPECIFIC RESEARCH PRIORITIES FOR THE BLACK SEA BASIN .

The agreed Structure of the SRA by the SEAS‐

ERA Partners has been explained in Section

1.2. (the process of building the Black Sea SRA

is also described there). A “specific research

priorities” list has been compiled and grouped

under three main headings: Basic Research,

Applied Research to support society/economy

and Research on cross‐cutting issues (Box 4).

The sub‐titles along with their specific

research priorities were decided upon by

experts based on the regional needs.

Box 4. Summary of the Research Issues

Basic research and fundam

ental

understanding

Understanding the geological structure and dynamics of the Black Sea Basin as a primary factor influencing its general evolution

Physical climate, hydrological cycle, ventilation and inter‐basin coupling

Understanding climatic variability and climate change impacts on coastal and offshore ecosystems in the Black Sea including the effects of ocean acidification

Changes in biodiversity and habitats, noting the introduction and impacts of invasive species

Understanding and governing eutrophication of coastal waters and open sea: Biogeochemical and primary biological basic processes, mechanisms and consequences

Ensuring Good Water/Sediment/Bioresources/Beach Quality for Human and Ecosystem Health (including litter)

Deep‐sea research

Applied Research: Science supporting Society &

Maritim

e Economy

Renewable energy

Exploitation of mineral resources, energy and communication projects

Maritime transport

Fishery and aquaculture with focus on preservation and sustainable use of marine living resources

Marine biotechnology

Cross‐cutting issues :

Natural hazards and risk assessments

Socio‐economic research

Marine spatial planning (MSP) and marine protected areas (MPAs)

ICZM, links with MSP & IRBM, coastal sciences & engineering

Research support and

cross‐cutting issues for

fundam

ental and applied

research

Development of support tools for policy implementation

Observation and forecasting systems for operational oceanography

Marine research infrastructure

Human capacity building


5.1. Basic Research & Fundamental

Understanding

5.1.1. Understanding the geological

structure and dynamics of the Black

Sea Basin as a primary factor

influencing its general evolution

During the last 120 million years the area of

the Black Sea has been subjected to strong

tectonic activity. Since its initiation,

compressional tectonic environments led to

subsidence in the basin, interspersed with

extensional phases resulting in large‐scale

volcanism and numerous orogenies, causing

the uplift of the Greater Caucasus, Pontides,

Southern Crimea and Balkan mountain ranges.

The on‐going collision between the Eurasian

and African plates and westward escape of the

Anatolian block along the North and East

Anatolian Faults dictate the current tectonic

regime, which features enhanced subsidence

in the Black Sea basin and significant volcanic

activity in the Anatolian region. It is these

geological mechanisms which, in the long

term, have caused the periodic isolations of

the Black Sea from the rest of the global ocean

system and were accompanied by

accumulation of large amount of sediments in

the Sea.

Furthermore, in the course of the Black Sea

geological history large‐scale sea level changes

(from +10/15 m to ‐120 m) occurred and they

caused radical reshaping of land morphology,

large accumulation of sediments in the deep

part of the Sea (about 12‐13 km of bottom

sediment thickness in the central part of the

basin) and modifications of environmental

settings. The Quaternary was especially

characterised by such spectacular changes,

which had been driven by global climate

change (glaciations and deglaciations). Under

the sharp sea‐level fluctuations of this period,

the sediment depocentres concentrated in the

deep‐sea zone of the Black Sea unlike the

present‐day position of sedimentation areas ‐

from delta bodies of different large rivers onto

the continental slopes.

During all these changes, the Black Sea water

level was also influenced by its limited

connection with the Mediterranean Sea

through the Bosphorus – Dardanelles Straits.

When the Black Sea level happens to fall

below the Bosphorus sill, its further variations

develop under specific regional conditions,

without being necessarily coupled to the

ocean level changes. Historically, one of the

main consequences of the lowstands has been

the complete interruption of the

Mediterranean water inflow into the Black

Sea, as the latter becomes an almost

freshwater giant lake for thousands of years

until the connection through the Bosphorus

re‐appears and the salinity of the Black Sea is

restored.

The main glacial periods of the Quaternary in

Europe (Danube, Günz, Mindel, Riss and

Würm) corresponded to the regressive phases

of the Black Sea, with lowstands of the water

level down to –120 m. The regressions

represent phases of isolation of the Black Sea

from the Mediterranean Sea and the World

Ocean. Only connection with the Caspian Sea

could occasionally appear through the

Manych valley. Correspondingly, during

regressions, and under fresh water conditions,

the particularities of flora and fauna

assemblages in the Black Sea had a

pronounced Caspian character. On the

contrary, during the interglacials, the water

level was rising to levels close to the present

level; the Black Sea was getting reconnected

to the Mediterranean Sea, and the

environmental conditions as well as the flora

and fauna characteristics were undergoing

Mediterranisation.

Presently, the Black Sea level is relatively

stable with a slight tendency of rise. Hence,

the surrounding relief and the physiography of


Key research issues:

Complex geological and geophysical

investigation of the tectonic structure and

sedimentary accumulations within the

Black Sea basin: continental shelves,

slopes and deep‐sea zones.

Monitoring isostatic and eustatic sea level

changes, as well as the subsidence and the

compaction of sedimentary piles.

Investigation on river sediment fluxes and

mapping the sediment distribution on the

continental shelf and slope.

Modelling the dynamics of the Earth crust

in the Black Sea area with a special

attention to seismically active zones and to

areas exposed to other possible. geological

hazards.

the basin play the most important role in

shaping the sedimentation processes in the

Sea. The Eastern and Southern coasts of the

Sea are characterized by high and steep slopes

and narrow continental shelf; which facilitate

the direct transfer of sediments from the

continent to the deep sea and determine a

coarser grain size of these sediments. The

Western and North‐western parts of the Black

Sea have wide shelf and lower relief. Besides,

the Black Sea largest Rivers, discharging into

the North‐western part of the Sea, supply

major quantities of sediments of much finer

grain size composition (mainly silty and clayey

sediments).

5.1.2. Physical climate, hydrological cycle,

ventilation and inter‐basin coupling

Long‐term variabilities of the water cycle and

the physical climate: The Black Sea is a

sensitive ecosystem, vulnerable to potential

impacts on both its physical and biochemical

state by the expected intensification of the

hydrological cycle. Fed by major European

rivers (Danube, Dniepr, Dniestr, Don, Kuban

and others) which drain a catchment basin

roughly 5‐fold of its size, the Black Sea is

subject to large natural variation over inter‐

decadal time scales. The water cycle directly

modifies the vertical stratification of the Black

Sea, affecting the ventilation processes

intensity and impacting the transport and fate

of constituents, including pollutants, thus,

shaping the state of the ecosystem, in general.

Since the Palaeolithic and Neolithic prehistoric

times, climate change, accompanied by strong

tectonic activity, has induced hydro‐geological

transformations of the Black Sea and the

Turkish Straits System (TSS)19, impacting

human societies, notably among them the

demise of Troia VIIb in the late Bronze Age.

Climatic oscillations with increased

productivity periods of several hundred years,

associated with mass development of

coccolitophores, recorded in Black Sea

sediments since Holocene times, imply

relatively recent changes in the Sea hydrology

that could recur in future.

Ice floes reaching the Bosphorus from the

Black Sea have been reported in Herodotus,

and in AD 7‐17, 401, 739, 753, 755, 763, 928,

934, 1011, 1232, 1621, 1658, 1669, 1755,

1823, 1849, 1862, 1878, 1893, 1918, 1928,

1929 and 1954. Weninger (2009) note the

clustering of cold events after the 17th

century, in the cold period known as the Little

Ice Age. No such event was observed from the

13th century to the mid 17th century (medieval

warm period) nor since 1954 (global

warming?).

19 Located at the junction of two continents and two large interior sea basins, the TSS has been the center‐stage of ancient civilizations of the Old World, as evidenced by the recent discoveries of Palaeolithic and Neolithic migrations, the 8500 year old Neolithic settlement and the 1600 year old Byzantine port of Theodosius at Yenikapı, near the southern end of the Bosphorus, and settlement at Troy dating from 5 kyr BP.


Effects of large‐scale climate patterns such as

the NAO, NCP teleconnection regimes, Indian

Monsoons and regional winter cooling events

are evident in the Black Sea region, with

observed impacts on ecosystems.

Fig. 4: Ice sheets drifting in front of Rumeli Hisarı on the Bosphorus Strait, 1 March 1929, (Photograph: Maynard Owen Williams) River catchments and integrated modelling of

the hydrological cycle: Major rivers which

shape the water budget of the Black Sea,

determine its stratification, drive boundary

currents as part of its general circulation and

energize its ecosystem are currently

threatened by expected net decreases in river

fluxes. Consequent changes in the Black Sea

stratification and nutrient ratios can impact

coastal and marine ecosystems in many

different ways. A sound knowledge of Black

Sea water and nutrient balance as dependant

on the riverine fluxes is essential in order to

assess the status and stability of the Black Sea

ecosystem, so that to formulate realistic socio‐

economic scenarios and relevant policies to

counteract potential negative impacts.

The European Strategy for the Danube Region

includes as a priority action the creation of an

International Centre for Advanced Research

on River – Delta ‐ Sea Systems, having as study

area the Danube River – Danube Delta – Black

Sea system. The establishment of the Centre is

in process. The Centre will be able to advance

the studies on the complex interactions

between the Danube River, its Delta and the

Sea. Similar investigations should be

continued or undertaken where absent for all

major Black Sea rivers.

Earth system models of river catchment

hydrology integrated with regional

atmospheric and ocean models can serve us

to better understand and improve our

prediction capabilities of the Black Sea water

cycle and related ecosystem change.

Ventilation Processes and Hydrochemistry: A

positive water budget and the restricted

exchange through the TSS result in the stable

stratification of the Black Sea, with the

pycnocline effectively sealing off the anoxic

deep waters from the surface, while the upper

water column is affected by the complex

formation process of the Cold Intermediate

Water (CIW). With a double diffusive interior,

convective boundary mixing processes

following the cascading shelf of

Mediterranean water drive interior renewal

processes in the upper 500m of the Black Sea,

leading from multi‐decadal to centennial and

millennial scale evolution of the interior.

Tracer studies have shown the role of specific

cascading and mixing processes in the interior

re‐distribution of properties at intermediate

depth. The chemical stratification of the

interior, mediated by subtle hydrochemical

processes plays an all‐important role in the

Black Sea ecosystem. The parameterization of

mixing processes in the Black Sea is a topic of

utmost importance, that could lead to

improvements in the long‐term predictive

capabilities of coupled hydrodynamical and

ecosystem models.

TSS and inter‐basin coupling: It is not possible

to understand the water and material budgets

of the Black Sea without prior understanding

of the two‐layer stratified exchange flows and

the dynamic controls imposed by the Turkish

Straits System (TSS). The interactive behaviour

of the Black Sea with the TSS is a truly multi‐

scale problem, which only can be addressed



Investigation of the elements and variability of the hydrological cycle and contributions to the stratification, mixing, circulation, transport of materials and productivity in the Black Sea region.

Predictions of the short and long‐term transport of land‐based materials (including pollutants) by interactive earth system models including transport components in the atmosphere, the ocean and the river catchments.

Parameterization and tuning of turbulent mixing and ventilation processes in Black Sea hydrodynamics models, for long‐term predictions of intermediate and deep‐water hydrochemistry with feedbacks on ecosystems.

Analyses for understanding the hydrochemical evolution since ancient times and since the industrial age, with a view on the current risks of eutrophication, mixing/turnover in response to ventilation, exchange, and biogeochemical processes.

Analyses of the roles of inter‐basin coupling and multi‐scale controls imposed by the Turkish Straits System on the Black Sea internal hydrochemical processes as well as the possible effects on the state of the adjacent Marmara and Aegean Seas.

Complex and interdisciplinary study river‐delta‐sea systems with special focus on frontal zones.

by the most advanced technological tools and

observational networks to be developed.

The maximal exchange imposed by

topographic and hydraulic controls at the

Bosphorus and the submaximal exchange at

the Dardanelles Straits are unique dynamical

regimes of mixing and entrainment through

surface and bottom plumes issuing into the

Black, Marmara and Aegean Seas. These

exchanges influence on the cycling of material

and biological productivity in the three seas.

The complexity of dynamic processes in the

Straits poses a serious challenge for the

development of predictive models, though

certain advancements in this field has been

already achieved.

5.1.3. Understanding climatic variability and

climate change impacts on coastal

and offshore ecosystems in the Black

Sea including the effects of ocean

acidification

Signs of climate change and variability: As

inferred by variations of the basin‐averaged

winter and annual‐mean sea surface

temperatures and the May‐November mean

temperatures of the Cold Intermediate Layer,

the Black Sea upper layer water column

experienced a cooling trend of about 0.7oC

from 1880 to 1910. This was followed by an

approximate 1.0oC warming trend during

1910‐1970 modulated by sub‐decadal scale

fluctuations after which a roughly 1.5oC

cooling trend occurred during the next 20

years up to 1993, concluded by an equally

strong warming trend afterwards during 1994‐

2002. The latter warming trend brought the

temperature back to its level at the beginning

of the 1970s, indicating that Black Sea did not

build up a net temperature increase after the

1970s contrary to the steady global warming

trend. The Black Sea interannual temperature

variations of around 2.0oC therefore appear to

be much more pronounced and distinctly

different than the ~0.4oC global temperature

rising trend since 1970. The warming trend

observed in the Black Sea winter

temperatures during 1910‐1970 is however

consistent with the global trend with the

exception of more pronounced fluctuations.

The large temporal oscillations in water

temperatures observed throughout the Black

Sea basin are also subject to considerable

regional variability. For example, winter sea

surface temperatures may vary as much as 3oC

between the colder interior basin and the

warmer peripheral zone and/or between the

northwestern and southeastern waters. In

general, regional meteorological conditions in

the eastern area favour milder winters and


warmer winter temperatures in the surface

mixed layer. The western coastal waters that

receive freshwater discharge from the

Danube, Dniepr and Dniestr rivers and are

subject to more frequent and colder arctic

airflow, on the other hand, characterize the

coldest area of the Black Sea.

Based on the examination of 12 tide gauge

records around the Black Sea from 1923–

1999, sea level increases have varied between

a minimum of 2.0 mm yr‐1 and a maximum of

about 4.0 mm yr‐1 over the last 60 years. The

satellite altimeter data reveal a higher rate of

sea level rise of about 7.5 mm yr‐1 during

1993‐2007. This is slightly higher than the

global average rise of 1.8 mm yr‐1 from 1961

to 2003 (IPCC, 2007), 1.7 mm yr‐1 in the

Atlantic Ocean and 1.1‐1.3 mm yr‐1 in the

Mediterranean Sea. We note a relatively

minor contribution of thermosteric effect to

the overall sea level rise. In fact, the Black Sea

level due to thermosteric effect actually

decreased during 1970‐1993 in response to

excessive cooling of the sea whereas the

actual sea level has been rising. However, the

thermosteric effect is a significant contributor

and explains much of the observed global sea

level rise observed during the second half of

the 20th century. Furthermore, temporal

changes of net fresh water input into the Black

Sea (the river inflow plus precipitation minus

evaporation) indicate a net long‐term positive

trend in consistence with the sea level

changes. The positive trend is due to

increased river discharge as well as increasing

precipitation and decreasing evaporation

rates. Subdecadal‐to‐decadal changes in the

net fresh water input also correlate well with

the mean detrended sea level anomaly.

Periods of reduced fresh water input generally

correspond to those of relatively low sea level

also coinciding with relatively low sea surface

temperature.

Since the beginning of industrialization, the

ocean has taken up approximately one third of

total anthropogenic CO2 emitted to the

atmosphere. The continued uptake of man‐

made CO2 triggers changes in ocean

carbonate chemistry and pH referred to as

anthropogenic ocean acidification. At present,

the mean pH of ocean surface waters is

already 0.1 units lower compared to

pre‐industrial times and a decrease by 0.4

units is projected by the year 2100 in response

to a business‐as‐usual emission levels. This

change in pH drives profound changes in

carbonate chemistry and is likely to affect the

structure and functioning of marine

ecosystems. Despite the extreme importance

of this subject, no comprehensive studies exist

dealing with climate related changes on the

recent state of acidification in the Black Sea.

Biological consequences of climate change

and variability: Similar to the tropicalisation of

the Mediterranean, an increase in the rate of

new Mediterranean species arriving and

establishing new niches in the Black Sea (i.e.

increased Mediterranisation of the Black Sea)

has been suggested as unequivocal evidence

of global warming during the second half of

the 20th century. Warming has also facilitated

phenological changes in some fish species like

the gilt‐head (sea) bream Spratus aurata and

the salema Sarpa salpa. Formerly these

species seasonally migrated to the Black Sea

for spawning and feeding, however, they now

both reproduce intensively and remain longer

for overwintering in the Black Sea.

In addition to some suggested impacts of

anthropogenic global climate change on the

Black Sea ecosystem, the natural modes of

climatic variability introduce even stronger

impacts synergistically with other

environmental stressors. Some examples

reported by BSC‐SoE (2008) are as follows.


Bacillariophyceae abundance in western coastal waters displayed a linear rising trend in the relatively cold years 1970 to 1993 and vice versa during the intense warming period after 1993. A similar decrease was also noted during the warming phase before 1970. Mesozooplankton biomass of the central‐eastern Black Sea tends to increase (decrease) in warm (cold) years. The boreal cold‐water organism Noctiluca scintillans displays increased levels of reproduction during cooler late‐spring (May–June) temperatures following more severe winters along the Bulgarian coast. Noctiluca biomass therefore increased an order of magnitude during the 1970s cooling period but then declined gradually during the subsequent warming phase of the 1990s. But factors like species food competition and prey‐predator interactions also contribute to their biomass changes. The relatively high Mnemiopsis abundance (>2000 ind/m2) in the eastern Black Sea during the months of August of 1989‐2003 is positively correlated with warm temperatures (26‐27oC) during 1989‐1991 and 2000‐2001. Similarly, the relatively cold periods (~24oC) of 1992‐1993 and 2003‐2004 are characterized by abundances an order of magnitude lower (~200 ind/m2). The doubling of the annual‐mean oxygen concentration from 170 μM to ~300 μM in the layer between σt ~14.45 and 14.6 kg m‐3 density surfaces, corresponding roughly to the base of the euphotic zone, in the northeastern basin from the early 1980s to the early 1990s is consistent with the cooling trend of the May‐November mean CIL temperature. Conversely, the subsequent decreasing trend for another 10 years up to 2002 follows the warming trend in the CIL temperature. Relatively higher subsurface oxygen concentrations during colder years should be associated with higher ventilation rates of the euphotic zone and the accumulation of more oxygen in the water column.

Cold years also characterize relatively higher phytoplankton biomasses. Generally, years with high phytoplankton productivity are expected to display reduced oxygen concentrations due to increased oxygen consumption associated with more intensive remineralisation processes. The positive correlation between the subsurface oxygen concentrations and phytoplankton biomass may suggest that the rate of oxygen production during colder years is more dominant than its consumption due to more enhanced plankton production over the entire year. The small pelagic fish catch (namely the sum of anchovy and sprat) was higher during the climatic cooling phase of the 1970s and 1980s and vice versa for the 1990s. The anchovy catch size along the Turkish coast positively correlated with monthly temperature changes from the November‐February period and the number of fishing days with an optimum temperature range of 9.4‐14.5oC.

Link between regional climate and

teleconnection patterns: There is a high and

significant correlation between the basin‐

averaged winter‐mean SST and the winter‐

mean air temperature anomaly and the NAO

index. They provide compelling evidence for

ensuring regulation of the regional hydro‐

meteorological conditions in the Black Sea by

large scale climatic teleconnection patterns.

The long‐term (1910‐1970) warming trend

coincides with declining NAO index values

toward more negative values whereas the

subsequent cooling up to the mid‐1990s is

related to strengthening of the NAO toward its

more positive phase. Therefore, more positive

NAO values imply colder, drier and more

severe winters in the Black Sea, exactly

opposite to the wetter and milder winters

experienced in the northwestern European

seas. The changes in long‐term detrended

average sea level reveal a negative correlation

with the winter‐mean NAO index. In general,



Effects of climate‐induced changes in hydrographic, hydrochemical structure and circulation patterns on structure and function of the food web.

Feedback mechanisms between the dynamic processes leading to anthropogenic global warming and natural modes of climate variability.

Identification of ecosystem vulnerability (resilience) during abrupt transitions in response to climate change.

Climate‐adaptation management strategies to preserve ecosystem goods and services

Develop knowledge of multiple sources and scales of ecosystem change to design management strategies.

positive NAO index values are associated with

a relatively low sea level.

In addition, the North Sea ‐ Caspian pattern

(NCP) is also used to explain some of the

variability on the Mediterranean, Black and

Caspian Seas hydro‐meteorological properties.

Furthermore, whilst the El Nino/Southern

Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon constitutes a

major source of interannual climatic variability

over much of the globe, it has a weak

influence on the climate of the Eastern

Mediterranean‐Black Sea region.

5.1.4. Changes in biodiversity and habitats,

noting the introduction and impacts

of invasive species

Due to its specific features the Black Sea is

characterized by a naturally low species

diversity (e.g. about 3 fold lower in

comparison to the Mediterranean Sea). Even

after emerging from its highly degraded state

during 1980‐1990s, the Black Sea ecosystem is

still considered in a transitional phase which

makes it particularly sensitive to external

factors related to cooling and warming events

(SoE, 2008), as well as the continuous

anthropogenic and natural pressures over the

entire basin.

A better understanding of the ecosystem

structure and functioning supported by in situ

experiments and integrated monitoring at

required temporal and special scales is of

crucial importance. The monitoring activity

will also provide the information necessary to

update the list and conservation status of BS

threatened species, as well as their critical

habitats.

Understanding the value of all the various

components of marine biodiversity (as an

integrity of species, habitats, structure,

function and the related ecosystem processes)

is essential if we are to minimise the negative

impacts of human activities and adopt

successful management policies.

Habitat loss or damage in the Black Sea shelf is

evident and the substantial decrease of a well

known macrophytobenthos species from the

1970’s to 2000 has been documented (SoE,

2008). It is important to mention that the

spatial distribution of benthic flora and fauna

is inadequately studied, thus habitat mapping

is not well advanced. For this reason, as

targeted in the Black Sea SAP (2009), a

mapping system for the Black Sea habitats is

to be established utilising the inventory

prepared. Based on this information,

rehabilitation methods (e.g. artificial reefs)

could also be investigated to restore lost

habitats.

The Black Sea basin needs more protected

areas both in coastal and marine regions to

safeguard biodiversity and also sustain the

stocks of living resources. This has been

proposed as a network of protected areas on a

regional level with some countries being given

the priority to designate such areas in their

national waters or in transboundary areas

carried out in cooperation with neighbouring


countries. Identifying ecologically or

biologically significant marine areas in need of

protection in both coastal and open‐sea

waters is a task of high priority in the Black

Sea. The criteria required to designate such

areas as protected include uniqueness or

rarity; special importance for life‐history

stages of species; importance for threatened,

endangered or declining species and/or

habitats; vulnerability, fragility, sensitivity or

slow recovery; biological productivity;

biological diversity; and natural beauty.

Relevant scientific studies should be organised

in a systematic mode.

The introduction of any non‐native species

could have destructive effects on the Black

Sea ecosystem as happened during the

introduction of Mnemiopsis leidyi in the early

1980’s via ballast waters, a period known as

‘jellies replaced the fish’. The trend began

during the onset of intense eutrophication in

the Black Sea and the establishment of the

invasive Mnemiopsis leidyi was preceeded by

a zooplankton shift in favour of non‐trophic

species (Noctilluca scintillans and Aurelia

aurita) and the wasp‐waist control of

gelatinous zooplankton then contributed to

the very low level of fodder mesozooplankton,

which in return supplemented the over‐fishing

leading to reduction in the stocks of valuable

commercial species.

After the mid 1990’s, when Beroe ovata

appeared in the Black Sea, the Mnemiopsis

population started to decrease, favouring the

recovery of edible zooplankton in both species

composition and abundance. Ironically, some

other invasive species such as the Japanese

snail Rapana venosa has become a

commercially important fishery target, despite

great damage to the benthic ecosystem

through its predation on the native

Mediterranean mussel populations. Research

and monitoring efforts are needed to survey

the abundance and present state of non‐

indigenous species and assess the impact of

invasives, including economic valuations of

degradation and long run commercial profits

(as in the case of Rapana) to recommend

mitigation activities.

Fig. 5: Invaders: Rapana eats black mussel

Determination of the ratio between invasive

non‐indigenous species and native species in

some well studied taxonomic groups (e.g. fish,

macroalgae, molluscs) shall provide a measure

of change in Black Sea species composition.

Relevant inventories are in process of

development and their advancement needs to

be further supported.

Besides, monitoring of invasive species in

ballast tanks and within harbour surveys, the

assessment of risks of their transfer via

maritime transportation is necessary. The

Black Sea is notorious for its many

unintentionally introduced aliens. Shipping is

the main vector delivering alien species to the

Black Sea coast. One strong reason that makes

the Black Sea a favourable host for

newcomers is its unbalanced and damaged

ecosystem structure. Since the Black Sea

ecosystem is in a transitional phase, as

mentioned above, in addition to monitoring,

special attention should be paid to analyse

high risk target species of dangerous potential



Development of novel tools for research and monitoring of non‐native species and ecological impact assessment.

Habitat mapping design for development of a classification system of Black Sea habitats (including pelagic domain).

Assessment of the effects of marine biodiversity in food‐web energy transfer (structure and functioning) and ecosystem resilience.

Synthesis of biodiversity results into operational indicators of ecological state (MSFD/GES relevant) based on scenario analysis and model simulations under various natural and anthropogenic pressures.

Taxonomic revisions of species based on modern research tools (genetics and genomics) including microbes and viruses.

which could become established in the Black

Sea.

Biodiversity, in general, is fragmentarily

studied; comprehensive inventories of species

(check‐list) are not finalized for some groups;

many uncertainties exist in the proper

taxonomic identification of species; serious

gaps exist in the investigations of important

phylla of marine biota (microbes and viruses,

fungi); innovative methods of taxonomic

revisions (genetic analysis) are of limited

application. Further research is needed to

better understand the fundamental role of

biodiversity in the provision of ecosystem

services: energy transport through the food‐

web, plankton/benthic coupling, life‐cycle

traits, role of secondary metabolites

(infochemicals as mediators), functional

biodiversity, synthesis of biodiversity results

into operational indicators of ecological state

in addition to provision of goods and services

of socio‐economic importance.

5.1.5. Understanding and governing

eutrophication of coastal waters and

open sea: Biogeochemical and

primary biological basic processes,

mechanisms and consequences

The process of eutrophication, defined as an

increase in the flux of organic carbon in an

aquatic system, often results from a

proportional increase in the load of nutrients

which leads to ecologically destructive

changes: loss of water quality, decline in

biodiversity, loss of marine biological

resources, etc. In order to address these

problems, basic processes governing

eutrophication should be investigated in

detail. These are fundamental changes in the

biogeochemical structure, C,N,P,Si cycles,

oxic/anoxic conditions, dramatic alterations

the structure of biological and microbiological

communities and associated in fluxes of

energy due to perturbations in the processes

of carbon transformation.

A knowledge of nutrient inputs, ratios,

distributions, recycling, and elimination has

been critically important for the Black Sea

ecosystem since the 1960's. However, the

1980's and early 1990's were the only periods

of intensive basin‐wide studies. An efficient

monitoring and research system including the

open sea does not currently exist and a

harmonized assessment of atmospheric

deposition, riverine input and inputs from the

Straits is lacking. Sporadic research activities,

despite their high quality and importance for

studying specific problems, are poorly

connected. As a result, very limited knowledge

on sequences and consequences is available

limiting scientific support of integrated

management at the ecosystem level.

Available data demonstrate that the

concentrations of both N and P were

increasing towards the early 1990's. Although

they have decreased since then, they remain


at a higher level than in the 1960's. The

concentration of Si in the upper waters

decreased by an order of magnitude from the

early 1960's to the middle of the 1980's, and

has remained stable since. Though these

changes in the load and distribution of

nutrients have been demonstrated to cause

dramatic eutrophication, depletion of oxygen,

build‐up of sulphide, changes in the structure

of biological communities, shifts in the carbon

cycle, acidification, etc., the importance of

other driving forces, like climate changes,

trends in the fluxes of CO2 at the sea‐air

boundary, invasive biological species, etc.,

have been poorly evaluated/quantified and

often merely claimed.

Changes in N/P and other nutrient ratios and

their subsequent effects on the

biogeochemical processes are to be assessed,

quantified and parameterized for numerical

modelling. The diagnostic and predictive

capacity based on robust understanding of the

causal effects of such ratio changes on the

Black Sea ecosystem functioning has yet to be

developed. For this, systematic studies,

monitoring and modelling tools would be

required.

A nutrient modelling tool was asked to be

developed in the SAP (2009) for source

apportionment estimates to be done to

improve existing understanding of nutrient

sources that would directly improve the

targeting and efficiency of management

actions. However, to efficiently develop and

run such models, the mechanisms and basic

biogeochemical, biological and microbiological

processes have yet to be studied in detail,

parameterized and quantified for the Black

Sea conditions.

The trophic level and the frequency of

associated hypoxic events, as well as of the

phytoplankton bloom events in the Black Sea

shelf waters have decreased (SoE, 2008).

However, the pelagic system has often

become dominated by coccolithophores and

heterotrophic dinoflagellates. The biodiversity

(eukaryotes, cyanobacteria, etc.) of this

changing oxic environment has to be further

studied and ecosystem models have to be

expanded to include their dynamics. The latter

will improve our understanding of the

pathways and intensities of the energy flows

in the Black Sea ecosystem, and of the type of

its functioning (‘microbial‐loop’ vs. ‘grazing’,

fast sinking vs. slow sinking organic matter, N‐

fixing vs. denitrification, etc).

Regarding coastal waters, studies of the

abundance of perennial seaweeds and

seagrasses (e.g. fucoids, eelgrass etc) which

are adversely impacted by a decrease in water

transparency will be important for better

understanding and knowledge of both the

scale of eutrophication and the assimilation

capacity of coastal waters for nutrients.

Finally, the role of bacteria in eutrophication‐

related hypoxia/anoxia events in the shelf

area need to be further investigated. It is

known that there are shallow hydrothermal

vents in the Black Sea, similar to those seen in

the Mediterranean, which are populated with

bacteria. Some of these vents have been

recently studied near the Crimean coast (data

from the EU HYPOX project), but the scale and

the overall effect of these processes in the

Black Sea have still to be investigated and

evaluated.



Evaluation of different sources of nutrients (rivers and other land‐based sources (including diffuse), atmosphere, regeneration and recycling (including microbial processes), N‐fixation, denitrification, fluxes in water and from sediments), their importance for the stock and distribution of nutrients in waters.

Understanding the impact of changes in physical conditions and climatology, changes in the load, stock, distribution and N/P and other nutrient ratios on the rate and pattern of eutrophication or distrophication (increase or decrease in the flux of organic carbon in the system).

Understanding the impacts of eutrophication on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (primary production vs. chemosynthesis, trophic cascades vs. eutrophication, microbial loop vs grazing, bottom up versus top down control, energy flows, etc.) and on the C, N, P, Si cycles and biogeochemical dynamics of shelf and open sea ecosystems (oxygen loss, sulphide buildup, CO2 removal by coccolithophorids, changes in pH (acidification) and carbonate system, including Ca(Mg)CO3 precipitation and dissolution, etc.).

Modelling scenarios and relevant economic valuations of eutrophication consequences and nutrient reduction schemes.

The role of coccolithophorids in removal of CO2 in the BS with respect to potential impact of pH increase.

5.1.6. Ensuring Good Water/Sediment/

Bioresources/Beach Quality for

Human and Ecosystem Health

(including litter)

Reduction of pollution and eutrophication has

been a major target in the region; however,

investigations and investments were almost

only focused on point sources of pollution.

Hence, atmospheric deposition and land‐

based diffuse sources from rural and urban

areas are poorly understood and have priority

for conducting further

research/monitoring/modelling. However,

despite the long‐term and often

comprehensive studies on river discharges,

there is no harmonization of river monitoring

strategies in the Black Sea region, hence no

clear understanding of the loads reaching the

Black Sea (both for pollutants and nutrients).

Water/Sediment/Biota qualities are studied

with varying success, based on different

methodologies and mainly in coastal waters.

The distribution of major pollutants (TPHs,

trace metals, detergents, pesticides, etc) is

poorly known, especially for sediments and

biota.

The Black Sea is known for its heavy shipping

traffic, including extensive oil transportation.

However, the frequency and impact of illegal

discharges from ships are not well known in

the Black Sea. There is no properly organised

monitoring of operational and accidental

pollution (e.g. in ports, platforms, ship

accidents, etc.). The influence of dredging and

dumping activities is also poorly understood.

The relationship between erosion and

pollution/eutrophication lacks investigation.

Bathing water quality is monitored by all BS

coastal states (not the same for the quality of

the beach), however, there is no

harmonization of standards and methods used

to assess bathing water quality.

The harmonization of methodologies and

environmental quality standards is required

for the Black Sea region (SAP 2009 target) and

the further development of a common

classification scheme for

water/sediment/biota quality is desperately

needed. Although the key contaminants are

determined at a regional level by the Black Sea

Commission, additions and deletions need to

be identified for the Black Sea, together with

the sources of the new pollutants and their



Identification of key contaminants for the Black Sea with their sources, levels and effects on water/sediment/bioresources quality,biota and human health (MSFD relevant).

Common environmental quality objectives (EQOS or GES) must be identified to improve assessments as a pre‐requisite of management procedures (MSFD relevant).

Origins, quantity, quality and impacts of marine litter (MSFD relevant).

Condition of benthic community based on multi‐metric indexes and other parameters.

effects on water and sediment quality, biota

and humans.

Based on the above, and in combination with

biological and biotoxicological studies, levels

which maintain a good environmental status

(as recalled in MSFD) should be identified so

that contaminant concentrations will not

adversely affect marine ecosystems.

Studies on the input, transport and dispersion

of pollutants from localized areas to a basin

wide or a sub‐basin scale must be conducted

alongside monitoring assessments coupled

with modelling tools. This would also provide

vital information for developing pollution

reduction schemes.

The regional marine litter assessment

undertaken in the Black Sea region

(UNEP/GPA/BSC, 2009) revealed the scale of

the problem, gaps in knowledge and became

the basis for the draft Strategic Action Plan for

the Management and Abatement of Marine

Litter in the Black Sea Region (BS‐ML‐SAP,

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_publ‐

ML.asp,). The plan contains concrete actions

aimed to reduce and eliminate where possible

the ML problem in the Black Sea region. In

support of research the Plan calls for:

common methodologies, unified standards,

guidelines and reporting format for the

monitoring and assessment of floating,

submerged, sea‐bottom and coastal litter, its

sources and effects.

Research needs have to be prioritized in line

with the objectives of this Plan. The Plan

stipulates the following needs in monitoring

and assessments:

spatial and temporal patterns of marine

litter (ML) distribution, accumulation and

transportation on the sea surface, within

the water column, over the seabed and

along the seashore with regard to

hydrological, hydrochemical and

hydrophysical peculiarities including the

pronounced vertical stratification of the

Black Sea, presence of stable and

transient sea currents, seasonal and

other fluctuations of sea level, etc.

mapping of sources, origin and hot spots

of ML

factors influencing the input and

accumulation of seaborne and coastal

litter, (e.g. role of rivers, floods, studies

on storm waters, effects and retention in

sewage plants, fishing related litter

(ghost nets, etc.)

adverse effects of marine litter on the

environment, biota, public health,

economics and social life

microplastics at sea and in sediments

modelling of ML distribution,

backtracking of ML‐ biodegradability of

litter, rates of degradation under the

anoxic conditions of the BS, development

of novel methods and automated

monitoring devices (hydroacoustics,

ultrasound, etc.)

One of the most effective ways of

understanding impacts of human activities on

marine ecosystems is by monitoring the

seafloor integrity and benthic habitats.


5.1.7. Deep‐sea research

The biogeochemical processes occurring

within the Black Sea oxic‐anoxic layer have

been of great interest of different research

groups where both observations and

modelling efforts were considered. However,

existing notions require re‐consideration and

further development based on new

monitoring findings in order to better

understand the effects of both natural and

anthropogenic forcing on the characteristics of

the sub‐oxic/anoxic layers.

Methane emissions and gas hydrate

dissociation should also be further explored in

the Black Sea deep waters and seabed. The

influence of gas seepage on methane sources

and sinks, aerobic and anaerobic oxidation of

methane and the mediating microbial

organisms as well as bacterial chimney

formation in the Black Sea needs further

investigation.

Characterization of the variability in seep

phenomena requires an interdisciplinary and

integrated approach in order to reveal their

impact on sea budgets. Microbial reefs are of

particular interest as a biogeochemical barrier,

absorbing a considerable portion of methane

seeping from the seafloor.

Mud volcanoes are also an important target

for more detailed investigation since they are

the only source of seeping methane occurring

below the water depth of the upper boundary

of methane hydrates stability zone in the

Black Sea (i.e. > 725 m).

The biodiversity of anoxic bacteria in the Black

Sea is not well known. Increased knowledge of

these organisms is important not only for their

potential use in biotechnology, but also to

ensure better preparation prior to the

utilisation of resources (e.g. H2S) from this

huge layer. Phototrophic sulfur bacteria, such

as Chromatium warmingii and Thiocapsa

roseopersicina and Chlorobium

phaeovibrioides are able to survive at depths

of 660 and 2,240 m.

There are some publications detailing higher

forms than bacteria living in the anaerobic

zone, but these data still need additional

verification. The general perception is that

higher level organisms do not inhabit the

anoxic zone but have been brought to it by

currents or sliding sediments.

Evidence exists that cysts and spores survive

well on the bottom of the Black Sea under



Assessment of ecological and environmental role of methane seeps and the active mud volcanoes in the Black Sea anoxic basin.

Evaluation of significance of the methane‐derived microbial reefs as a biogeochemical barrier controlling the input of the seeping methane to the Black Sea water column and atmosphere.

Studies of conservation properties of the Black Sea anoxic sediments for cyst, spores and the possible influence of this factor on the biodiversity in contemporary Black Sea ecosystems.

Assessment of the current levels and trends of radioactive contamination of the Black Sea environments with special focus on development of radiotracer techniques to identify sources, pathways, cycling and trapping of redox‐sensitive nuclear and non‐nuclear pollutants in anoxic waters and sediments.

Development of models evaluating the carbon sequestration in the Black Sea.

anoxic conditions. This interesting

phenomenon is currently being investigated

and further research must be focused on

providing assessments based on the sediment

dating methodology and on the maximal age

of the living cysts and spores.

Radioactive pollution: Owing to its

geographical location, the Black Sea has been

one of the marine basins most heavily

contaminated with artificial radioactivity.

During the pre‐Chernobyl period, the main

source of radioactive contamination in the

Black Sea was global fallout from the

atmospheric nuclear weapon testing, which

peaked in 1962 before the 1963 Test Ban

Treaty was signed between the main nuclear

states. As maximum global fallout was

observed within the 40–50oN latitude band

that runs exactly across the Black Sea, this

semi enclosed water body received high levels

of the fallout radionuclides derived from the

atmospheric weapon testing. Being the closest

marine body to the Chernobyl NPP site, the

Black Sea along with its broad drainage areas

have received substantial amounts of the

long‐lived artificial radionuclides, particularly 90Sr, 137Cs, and plutonium isotopes, released

into the atmosphere from the damaged

nuclear reactor and delivered by air masses

drifting south and westward from the accident

zone. Besides direct atmospheric deposition,

the Black Sea received (and continues to

receive) additional radioactive input via river

runoff, particularly in its northwestern area

from the Danube and Dnieper Rivers. Post‐

Chernobyl tracing of the Black Sea

radioactivity has revealed a higher capability

for self‐purification of its waters against

soluble and particle‐reactive radionuclides,

compared to the Mediterranean Sea. Further

research topics e.g. environment half‐ lives

and removal fluxes of radionuclides in

different regions of Black Sea waters are badly

needed to provide updated assessments of

maximum permissible inputs of both nuclear

elements.


5.2. Applied Research: Science supporting

Society & Maritime Economy

5.2.1. Renewable energy

Over the coming decades, the modern world

is increasing efforts to ‘go green’ from food

products and construction materials right

through to social services and power

generation. The UN and EU have drafted the

Green Concept through means of

declarations, strategies and initiatives

intended to render the Greening Processes

irreversible, as well as liberating resources

required to finance a Green Economy

transition20. The “Go Green” concept has been

steadily gaining in popularity bringing into

focus brave and innovative ideas reducing the

energy sector dependence on fossil fuels by

increasing the energy efficiency and reliance

on alternative/renewable non‐fossil energy

sources. The term ‘renewable’ or RES refers to

the energy that is capable of being renewed

by the natural ecological cycle, its sources

being wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal,

hydropower, biomass, landfill gas, sewage

treatment plant gas and biogases21. While

biomass, hydro, geothermal, solar and wind

energies are being increasingly utilized as

sources of power generation, the oceanic

thermal, wave, and tidal resources still require

the development of sophisticated application

technologies in order to become marketable.

Marine Renewable Energy is understood here

as Renewable Energy production which makes

use of marine resources or marine space.

Various potential sources of such energy

include offshore wind, waves, tides, ocean

currents, marine biomass (micro‐ and macro‐

algae), osmotic, thermal and chemical

20Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication ‐ A Synthesis for Policy Makers, UNEP, 21 February 2011, www.unep.org. 21 Directive 2003/54/EC, http://eur‐lex.europa.eu/

gradients. The vision of the Marine Board,

which is a pan‐European partnership of

national organisations involved in marine

scientific research is that “By 2050 Europe

could source up to 50% of its electricity needs

from Marine Renewable Energy.“ The

implementation of this vision would require,

among others sustained research to feed both

innovation demonstration, and to develop

appropriate environmental monitoring

protocols. The following proposition for

strategic development focuses on the

environmental issues and does not address

industrial and policy aspects.

Hence, it is aimed to highlight the potential of

marine renewable energy in the Black Sea and

associated opportunities and identify the

needs of this region and the necessary

relevant research.

There is a consensus that high levels of marine

renewable energy resources around Europe

exist off the coasts of Norway, UK, Ireland,

Portugal, Spain and France. In the Black Sea

area tides are insignificant for energy

extraction, wind and wave resources are not

well enough quantified except the findings of

NATO TU‐Waves Project, but are unlikely as

large as those in the above mentioned

countries. Nevertheless, relatively strong

winds in some areas along with shallow

northwestern shelf make it easier to harness

the wind energy by deploying wind turbines.

Recently, both Bulgaria and Romania began

using and exploring in detail opportunities for

marine renewable wind energy options and

now plans to install offshore wind turbines.

The offshore wind and wave power potential

of the Black Sea should be assessed on a

monthly, seasonal and annual basis. The

assessment should be based on model

simulations of high spatial resolution

combined with satellite and in situ

observations. For those coastal areas where



Perform an inventory of the potential of various marine energy resources in the Black Sea (mapping).

Investigating the interaction between waves and (floating or moored) structures, and the optimum positioning of wind turbines within an array.

Conducting wind wave climate re‐analyses and forecasting (short‐, medium‐ and long‐term).

Measuring, monitoring and mitigating environmental impacts of the use of renewables (alteration of water circulation and sediment transport patterns, physical and biological disturbance of the seabed and benthic habitats).

offshore wind farms are most likely to be

situated, high‐resolution wind maps should be

provided.

Osmotic gradient which is enhanced by the

river runoff around Europe could support the

production of 28TWh per year by 2040

(European Ocean Energy Association). Given

the significant amounts of freshwater from

the Black Sea rivers this source needs to be

evaluated. The main challenges relate to

membrane design. The next big challenge is to

explore the usability of the potential of energy

stored in the area of sharp gradients of

chemical and biological substances.

The potential of using micro‐algae species in

the production of biofuel has also not been

extensively investigated for the Black Sea.

All these new areas of research necessitate:

The improved coordination between

industry and research, including

development of collaborative networks

and consortia

Education and training coupled with

public and stakeholder support ensuring

next generation scientists. Research and

education efforts must target new and

developing areas of expertise in

technology, ecology, and marine

environmental monitoring.

Development of relevant policies and

infrastructures.

Improving resource predictions for

planning purposes and operations and

providing open access databases and

real‐time information on ocean climate

and related environmental parameters.

5.2.2. Exploitation of mineral resources,

energy and communication projects

The Black Sea coastal states economies are

more and more oriented to discover and use

traditional and unconventional marine

resources. For the Black Sea one of such

resources is represented by the sapropel mud

that can be used as agricultural fertiliser for

acid soils.

The oil industry is interested in new marine oil

reserves, including those in the deeper part of

the Black Sea (e.g. drilling operations at over

300 m water depth, on the continental slope

zone). One of the non‐conventional energy

sources is represented by gas‐hydrates

(usually located at water depth over 700 m)

and the literature gives many indications that

in the Black Sea there are important reserves

of this kind as a future energy source.

Besides, projects for laying down pipelines

and cables crossing the deep zone of the Black

Sea, for exploitation of other new types of

mineral resources in the deep sea are in

preparation. The environmental health of the

Black Sea and the security of these activities,



Inventory, map and assess potential marine mineral resources, including all types of conventional and unconventional marine energy resources in the Black Sea. Long‐term monitoring and assessments of deep water masses dynamics.

Investigations on mass‐wasting processes ‐ submarine slides, large debris flows, large turbidity currents, slumps and structure failures. Mapping of areas most exposed to mass‐wasting processes.

Deep sea processes and events data base development.

of the men‐made structures and of different

types of equipment very much depend on the

good knowledge of the near‐bottom and

seabed phenomena (deep water masses

dynamics, slope stability and failures, scale

and frequency of turbidity and gravitational

currents, sea floor processes, etc.) and of the

threats related to them.

5.2.3. Maritime transport

The rapid rise of maritime transport activities

(ships, offshore platforms, oil pipelines and

terminals, coastal installations and ports) has

created major risks and threats to the

environment, including marine pollution from

oil, chemical and dangerous cargoes, air

pollution, underwater noise and marine litter,

with adverse effects on bottom habitats,

ecosystem health and fish migrations.

Emerging energy corridors transporting huge

volumes of crude oil and gas across the

Eurasian continent expose the Black Sea and

its coasts to significant pollution and other

environmental risks that are amplified by the

existing congestion at straits, near large cities,

oil and gas terminals and commercial ports.

Sea straits have special significance for Black

Sea maritime transport. The Bosphorus and

Dardanelles are unique among the 264 sea

straits used by shipping worldwide, because

these narrow waterways provide the only

access to international waters for traffic

converging from the Black and Caspian Seas

and the Eurasian hinterland. Next, in respect

to congestion levels, is the comparatively

wider Kerch Strait, connecting the Azov Sea to

the Black Sea, and carrying part of the ship

traffic reaching the Caspian Sea through the

Volga‐Don Canal.

Linking three continents, the TSS is four times

busier than the Panama Canal, with about

10% of its shipping traffic carrying dangerous

cargo. Roughly half of the various accidents

result from poor visibility, strong currents or

winds in the Bosphorus, a narrow channel only

700m wide at its narrowest point with several

near 90 degree bends in its course where

navigable channels of only 200m in width

occur often serving ships of greater size.

Ferries carry 1.5 million people daily between

the two shores of the Bosphorus, and swarms

of fishing boats add to the congestion.

Immediate environmental threats affecting

safety and health of the Turkish Straits System

are internationally recognized. Whilst

precautions have been taken since the 1990’s,

the risks have significantly decreased but not

eliminated.


Data analyses, risk assessments, management

strategies and integrated ocean services for

navigation and ship routing should aim to

reduce risks associated with maritime

transport. Advanced monitoring, detection

and decision support systems are needed to

provide assistance to controllers in complex

traffic and accident situations, based on multi‐

disciplinary data assembly, environmental

forecasting and platform specific response

characteristics.

Analyses, mapping of risks and the

development of integrated ocean services:

Analyses of information on navigational routes

and loads, ship and cargo characteristics,

vessel risks and casualties (collisions, fires,

groundings etc.) and the detection of

environmental, operational and human

factors in accidents, determination of the

effects of ship handling (harbour and piloting

services, load management) and queues at

congested areas (such as straits, oil terminals

and commercial ports), geospatial and

mapping of the temporal occurrence

frequencies of accidents are essential

elements of research aiming to assess and

reduce accident risks resulting from marine

transport.

In particular, near‐real‐time data acquisition

based on satellite and in‐situ sensor networks

(currents, waves, sea level and hydro‐

meteorological fields, pollution levels,

hydrocarbons and underwater noise),

integrated with forecasts of

hydrometeorology, interaction of waves and

currents, fog, visibility, gust probability and

storms at extended periods, ecosystem

parameters, spreading and fate of oil spills,

publicly shared on a large scale can aid

navigation and ship handling strategies and

safety at sea, while minimizing environmental

risks.

Decision Support Systems at Sea Straits: The

saturation of traffic carrying capacity makes

sea straits extremely predisposed to

accidents, ending in collisions, grounding, fires

and explosions involving ships, and oil spills

presenting extreme risks for potentially

irreversible damage to ecosystems,

threatening the very safety of the maritime

transport itself, and the surrounding

population centers.

Decision Support Tools integrated with

forecasting models and observation systems

(satellite detection and tracking of navigation

conditions and distress signals, the existing

information from Vessel Traffic Management

Systems – VTMS, computer optimization, and

critical path methods for ship routing),

enabling continuous monitoring of

environmental conditions will lead to the

development and testing of scenarios for ship

handling in dangerous waters alongside

emergency measures to be employed during

accidents, considering all operational and

environmental conditions together. Such

systems of expertise require finely tuned

technical excellence, considering ship

hydrodynamics, ship vibrations, manoeuvering

and command‐control dynamics, hydro‐

meteorological and operational conditions, in

order to ensure early warnings and correct

decisions in critical situations.

5.2.4. Fishery and aquaculture with focus

on preservation and sustainable use

of marine living resources

Black Sea marine living resources (MLR)

subjected to various trans‐boundary

environmental pressures as well as overfishing

(including illegal fishery), underwent a

collapse during the late 1980’s and early

1990’s. Available statistical data and surveys

show that while MLR improved during 2000 ‐


2005, the stocks have still not fully recovered

compared to the levels recorded from 1970‐

1988 (SoE, 2008). Little effort has been

invested in measures to manage the decline of

MLR, such as introduction of hatcheries,

protection/ restoration of habitats,

aquaculture, strickter control on illegal fishing,

etc.

Undoubtedly, there are insufficient fish stock

assessments carried out using a standardized

and common approach in the region. Regional

harmonization efforts have focused on only a

few species and not on all those of

commercially importance. In addition to their

scarcity, existing stock national assessments

are mostly outdated. It is of fundamental

importance to understand the condition of

stocks and to be able to assess them at

species level. Thus, fish catch statistics are in

need of improvement, and stock assessments

require harmonization and regular update to

ensure the rehabilitation and sustainable

viability of Black Sea commercial fisheries and

other marine living resources as required by

the SAP (2009).

Introduction of ecosystem based bioresources

management will require establishing links

with other trans‐boundary problems such as

habitat loss due to pollution and

eutrophication, invasions, climate change,

etc., and the development of modelling and

relevant decision‐making support tools. A

network of marine protected areas for

biodiversity and MLR conservation and

rehabilitation should be built based on

relevant scientific investigations.

The socio‐economic impacts of the decline in

Black Sea fisheries need thorough

investigation. Loss of employment and income

for local communities could then be assessed

and alternative occupation opportunities

proposed.

Cetaceans are also under threat due to by‐

catch (turbot fisheries, abandoned nets, etc.),

pollution and illegal captures. Stock

assessment is needed to evaluate their

current role in the Black Sea foodweb.

Furthermore, regional by‐catch and stranding

networks are in need of establishment.

Underwater Noise, Algal Blooms and

Pollution Effects on Fish Migration through

the Turkish Straits System

Fisheries have always been of vital importance

for the Black Sea populations. In ancient

times, fish migrating from the Black Sea to the

Mediterranean were intercepted in the

Bosphorus, led into the Golden Horn22 and

trapped there by currents, where they were

fished extensively. One of the main threats to

Black Sea fisheries arises as a result of the

spawning migration of some fish species from

the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. These fish

become exposed to the extremely

deteriorated conditions in the Straits and the

Sea of Marmara during their migrations, and

their numbers are either reduced by such

conditions or may even become exctinct.

22 The Golden Horn (photo above) is a flooded

prehistoric inlet (estaury)of the Bosphorus dividing the city of Istanbul and forming a natural harbour that has sheltered Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and other ships for thousand of years.



Understanding the condition of stocks and assessments at species level, including the spawning stocks of major commercial fish species via agreed methodologies (MSFD relevant). Evaluation of stock enhancement and aquaculture development.

Assessments of the biological safety limits for commercial exploitation of marine living resources, impacts on biodiversity and habitats. Investigations of fish habitats, illegal and ghost fishing.

Development of model‐based management tools.

Investigations on the effects of the Turkish Straits System (local fishing pressure, acoustic and chemical pollution, algal and toxic blooms, mucilage, jellyfish) on the migrating fish of the Black Sea.

Impacts on the market and non‐market economic values of the losses in fisheries and fish biodiversity. Integration of socio‐economic indicators towards ecosystem‐based bioresources management.

Underwater noise from ships, amplified in the

shallow Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits has

been found to be elevated by about 20‐30 dB

above the ambient spectrum levels compared

to the deep ocean. The noise levels here are

among the highest measured in the world’s

oceans and threaten the safe passage of fish

schools through the Straits, in addition to the

fishing and pollution pressures already

exerted during their migration. It may well be

that the decease in some fish species known

to have undergone spawning migration

through the TSS and which have almost

disappeared may be related to such effects.

Other effects on migrating species passing

through the TSS are the exceptional levels of

pollution, algal and jellyfish blooms which

include toxic algae in the Sea of Marmara. The

polluted conditions and ‘dead water’ zones in

the Sea of Marmara with lack of currents and

ventilation in summer months have been

found to result in fish kills. There are cases of

mucilage and toxic dinoflagellate blooms,

characterized by complex aggregates covering

parts of the Turkish Straits and which are

becoming more frequent over the years. The

highest chlorophyll and bacterial

concentrations in the entire region including

the adjoining seas are observed in the Turkish

Straits System. In addition there is a

considerable effect of overfishing in the Sea of

Marmara and the Straits that curbs the

populations of migrating fish, despite all

efforts to ban illegal and uncontrolled

fisheries. The Black Sea fisheries decline and

loss of biodiversity have been previously

explained by different factors, yet missing the

effects of the TSS on the fish migration, which

is a serious shortcoming calling for urgent

attention.

5.2.5. Marine biotechnology

The Black Sea harbours a huge potential stock

of marine plants – more than 2000 species of

plankton and benthic microalgae and over 300

species of algae and sea grasses. The sea

grasses constitute a natural biomass from

which 1 million t could be harvested annually



Growth management of cultured BS microalgae: the theoretical and experimental simulation.

Microalgal screening for commercially promising producers of biologically active substances (BAS).

Growing microalgal biomass as a biochemically optimal fodder stimulating growth and survival rates of different developmental stages of cultured bivalve molluscs, fishes and crustaceans.

Designing the biotechnology for acquiring biologically important pigments from BS microalgae.

Screening macrophytes having adapted to the present BS environment as commercially interesting objects for the biotechnologies.

to be used for energy production or other

valuable extractions. The harvest of other

algae, which are markedly less abundant,

would threaten the ecosystem of the Black

Sea.

An alternative path suggests the farming of

biologically valuable micro/macroalgae,

especially Black Sea microalgae with high

restocking rates.

Research on the culture and biosynthesis of

microalgae is a priority for the extraction of

the industry of valuable products and

biologically active substances (BASs) in the

Black Sea. Pertinent examples to these

products are food proteins, oils, vitamins,

compounds of high bactericidal action,

toxicants, volatile oils, gelling agents,

cytochromes, amino acids, chlorophyll‐

carotene complexes, etc. One major obstacle

hindering the realization of marine

algotechnology is the absence of the

theoretical management of microalgal growth

and biosynthesis; without which profitable

farming of Black sea microalgae is

unattainable.

The search for commercially promising

microalgal species inhabiting the Black Sea is

among the actively developing trends of the

biotechnology, because of:

high biological importance of natural

BASs as strong antioxidants,

immunomodulators, radio‐, UV‐ and

chemoprotectors, antitumor agents,

immune, cardio‐vascular and nerve

system stimulators;

the broad spectrum of application

(pharmaceutics, production of

nutriceutics, natural food colorants,

dietetic foodstuffs, fodder additives for

aquaculture, poultry and cattle breeding,

cosmetics, etc.);

the steadily increasing market need for

natural BASs in response to the World

Health Organization initiative for

complete elimination of synthetic BASs

from food and forage manufacture.

For rational use of microalgal biomass of the

Black Sea, it is important to develop

biotechnologies for culturing new species fit

with optimal biochemical composition

required for different purposes. Therefore

elaboration of new approaches to produce

mass quantities of micro/macroalgae and the

corresponding BASs is essential for the

advancement of small‐ and medium‐scale

businesses related to marine biotechnologies.

5.2.6. Cross‐cutting issues

5.2.6.1. Natural hazards and risk

assessments

Coastal areas as boundaries between the sea

and land are highly desirable both for

settlement as well as for assorted human

activities. This results in rapid coastal

urbanization and subsequent development of

infrastructures, industry, transport systems


etc. Whilst coastal zones account for only a

very small part of the Earth’s area, they

concentrate about 60% of the global world

population. The Black Sea coastal zone has

also witnessed a huge population increase and

has therefore become an overcrowded area.

As a consequence marine‐related natural

hazards have become increasingly dangerous

for local communities in highly populated

coastal areas.

The 2004 Indian Ocean and 2011 Pacific Ocean

Tsunami events reaffirmed the notion that the

protection of coastal communities from

marine‐related hazards is not solely

dependent on the existence of an effective

technological warning system and

communication network. Such tragic events

globally highlighted the vulnerability of coastal

communities and associated infrastructures

and ecosystems. Coastal populations are also

affected by a range of other natural hazards,

including erosion, saltwater intrusion,

subsidence, and floods due to both storm

surges and swollen rivers. The severity of the

impacts of these natural hazards are greatly

influenced by local factors, for example, the

exposition of the coast to the sea, the

presence or absence of natural protection

(sand barrier, dunes, vegetation) etc. Exposure

to such natural hazards is expected to increase

due both to growth in population density

increase in low‐lying coastal areas and the

effects of global climate change. Some of the

coastal management responses that are

relevant to tsunamis apply similarly to the

mitigation of these other hazards.

The terms “hazard”, “risk”, and “vulnerability”

can be defined as:

Risk= Hazards × Vulnerability

Since the 90’s several recent international

agreements recommend the concept of

Integrated Coastal Area Management (ICAM)

which environmental decision‐makers have

adopted as the best way to achieve the

sustainable management of coastal zones.

Therefore, it is imperative to integrate hazard,

vulnerability and risk within the ICAM context

in order to better address management of

these issues in coastal areas.

Within this context, the questions which arise

are:

How can hazard awareness and

mitigation be embedded in the ICAM

process?

What sorts of ICAM indicators may be

used to assist the risk management

process?

What is the appropriate level of country

response to some coastal hazards

(considering the uncertainties, and if the

perceived risk is scientifically justified)?

What are the short and long term social

and economic benefits of hazard risk

management and vulnerability reduction

within ICAM?

By addressing these questions, the IOC,

through its ICAM programme, developed a set

of guidelines on mainstreaming awareness

and risk mitigation of natural hazards in ICAM.

Such guidelines cover the following aspects:

1) Quantifying hazards: how countries

determine the frequency and magnitude of

hazard impacts on their coasts?

2) Measuring vulnerability: What is

“vulnerability” in the ICAM context? How to

assess/measure vulnerability?

3) Risk assessment: what is a “risk” in the

ICAM context? How can risk be quantified?

4) Managing the risk: which policies and

management plans, in the ICAM context,

should be developed to improve countries’

capacity of managing their coastal risks?


5) Hazard awareness and emergency

preparedness: how to build capacity at

community, national, and transnational levels

to cope with hazard impacts as a response to

the perceived risk, thus enhancing community,

local authority and national – and

transnational – resilience?

6) Strategic mitigation and adaptation: in

the ICAM context, what are the strategic

responses that countries can make at local,

national and transnational authority levels to

manage the assessed risks of catastrophic and

long‐term progressive events in the coastal

areas?

7) Indicators of achievement: Which are

the indicators of hazard awareness and

mitigation (within the ICAM context)?

The subject is in connection with the Tsunami

Warning System projects being coordinated by

the IOC, in relation to the IOC’s

Intergovernmental Coordination Group

Tsunami Early Warning System and Mitigation

System in the North Eastern Atlantic, the

Mediterranean and Connected Seas

(ICG/NEAMTWS), especially the subgroup

which deals with tsunami early warning

system in the Black Sea. These activities

should cover other marine‐related hazards,

notably storm surges and wind‐forced waves,

as well as the much slower impacting hazards

of coastal erosion and sea‐level rise. The topic

is also inline with the EU Flood Directive (FD:

2007/60/EC, “on the assessment and

management of flood risks”).

Currently, Bulgaria and Romania are executing

a cross‐border co‐operation project aimed at

creating an early warning system in the

western Black Sea called

„MARINEGEOHAZARD ‐ Set‐up and

implementation of key core components of a

regional early‐warning system for marine

geohazards of risk to the Romanian‐Bulgarian

Black Sea coastal area”. The system under

development (called EUXINUS) will comprise a

network of complex automatic marine

measurement equipment (5 gauges deployed

in different location covering the western

Black Sea) and two coastal wave stations. The

data supplied by this network will be

automatically sent and processed at two

national data centers located in Romania

(Constanta) and Bulgaria (Varna). Additionally,

the Black Sea MARINEGEOHAZARD System will

have a network (called GeoPontica) of 18

DGPS on‐line stations, 3 marine seismicity

monitoring systems, 5 strong motion

seismometers and 5 extensometers for

geodynamic surveillance of the Western Black

Sea coastal area. A marine geo‐seismic data

base will be jointly sustained and regularly

updated. It will comprise all the information

needed in the process of elaboration and issue

of an early‐warning notification and

assessment of evolution of a marine

geological hazard situation. The system will

offer data to all the Global Earth and Ocean

Observing systems.



Quantifying hazards: determine the frequency and magnitude of hazard impacts on Black Sea coasts.

Measuring vulnerability: assess/measure vulnerability.

Risk assessment: preliminary Flood Risk Assessments, Flood hazard and flood risk maps.

Hazard awareness and emergency preparedness

Strategic mitigation and adaptation: management of the assessed risks of catastrophic and long‐term progressive events in the coastal areas.

Indicators of achievement: the indicators of hazard awareness and mitigation.

International data base on potential marine geological hazards in the Black Sea Basin.

Integration of data/information on marine geological hazards in the Black Sea to the European infrastructure (e.g. EMSO‐ERIC, NEAMTIC, etc.).

5.2.6.2. Socio‐economic research

The Black Sea supports a range of ecosystem

services, associated with coastal areas and

marine living resources, which are of

economic importance. Besides the most

obvious provision service, there are a number

of other biodiversity, biochemical and

hydrological services performed by the marine

system. Surprisingly little monetary valuation

has been attributed to such economically

viable services derived from the Black Sea

marine ecosystem. While no estimate of their

combined economic value is available, they

certainly amount to tens or possibly even

hundreds of millions of dollars per year.

Degradation of the Black Sea marine system

has resulted in the loss of some of the value

referred to above. This environmental

degradation in the Black Sea Region has been

documented in the Transboundary Diagnostic

Analysis (2008) and the State of Environment

report (SoE 2008). Underlying the more

proximate causes of degradation has been a

number of social and economic pressures such

as:

poorly regulated discharges (inflows of

nutrients, resulting in eutrophication;

inflows of pollutants);

overfishing and use of destructive

equipment (declines in populations of

various living marine organisms; loss of

habitats; and, the loss of higher trophic

level predator species, which has altered

food chain structure);

intensive shipping (introduction of alien

species, especially the jellyfish

Mnemiopsis leidyi);

modifications in river flow regimes,

which have affected the salinity of the

Black Sea, sediment flow and had other

effects;

mismanagement of coastal zone (erosion

of coastlines and others).

The pressures cited here have led to changes

in the environmental status of the Black Sea

marine system, but these are only

intermediate environmental effects, as they

cause further impacts both in social and

economic terms. Effects on the main sectors

of fisheries and tourism have been studied to

a limited degree, as have impacts on human

health (SoE 2008). However, sufficient

information on how other sectors are

influenced by the Black Sea environmental

degradation is not readily available and

relatively little work has been done in these

areas.

Policy and institutional factors also play a role

and can inhibit progress in addressing the

problems of degradation. For example, most

living marine resources are not independently

owned but shared, and may be therefore

subject to regulated open access and the

dissipation of economic benefits from

environmental improvements. Use of the



development of socio‐economic data systems and analytical capability to support research, especially offering integration of natural with social and economic data sources.

social impacts of environmental disruption (e.g. health concerns, loss of employment, revenue, etc.)

environmental governance and institutional analysis at the national and regional levels, development of indicator‐based reporting.

integrated ecological‐economic modelling, with special emphasis on the socio‐economic implications of non‐linear processes and ecological thresholds in the Black Sea marine system.

bioeconomic models of fisheries and other commercially important resources to determine optimal management strategies.

non‐market valuation of ecosystem services associated with the Black Sea marine system.

development/refinement of sustainability indicators for the Black Sea region (see SOE 2008).

Application of DPSIR model to evaluate socio‐economic drivers and their relation to environmental pressures and state changes, leading to social and economic impacts and, finally, policy responses .

Black Sea and its tributaries for the disposal of

wastes is free (un‐priced) and so this

ecosystem service is overused, imposing

external costs throughout the region. General

public policy failures include an inadequate

regulatory framework, poorly coordinated

planning mechanisms and a lack of

enforcement of existing laws and regulations.

Finally, insufficient international coordination,

given the transboundary nature of most living

marine resource stocks, further contributes to

the problem.

5.2.6.3. Marine spatial planning and marine

protected areas (MPAs)

MPAs are most often established to promote

the conservation of marine biodiversity,

although they can also be used to benefit

other interests such as fisheries and

recreation.

Marine spatial planning (MSP) has a much

broader remit, providing an overall framework

for managing activities in the marine

environment. The use of MSP would also

improve ability to minimize conflicts of use in

existing and future MPAs, and to take into

account cumulative and combined effects in

decision‐making. This would provide

information on where pressures are greatest,

specific management is needed and where

MPAs may best be placed. A framework of

MSP would ensure calculated forward

planning, providing a clear, easily accessible

mechanism for stakeholder involvement in

management of activities in the marine

environment.

Over the last 20 years, countries in the Black

Sea region have undoubtedly made progress

towards developing more effective

conservation policies and implementing

international commitments. Several marine

protected areas (MPAs) have been established

in Black Sea waters during recent years

(especially under the Habitats Directive in

Bulgaria and Romania) and more are likely in

the near future, considering the requirements

of the Maritime Strategy Directive. Resolving

the challenges of enforcing regulations within

these areas will become more urgent as

fishing depletes coastal resources. The

implementation of EU legislation in new

member states contributed significantly to the

effective protection of the MPAs.

However, the extent of protected areas still

falls significantly short of Western European


figures (World Database on Protected Areas,

http://www.unep‐wcmc.org/wdpa).

Consequently, many Black Sea habitats remain

seriously damaged and in need of legal

protection23.

At present, a regional conservation strategy

does not exist for the Black Sea. The process

of designation of marine and coastal

protected areas is under development based

on national strategic plans available in all

Black Sea countries.

An increase in the number of protected areas

alongside improved conservation of species,

ecosystems and habitats, with particular

attention to marine protected areas, and their

management in a sustainable and

environmentally sound way aimed at

establishing the Black Sea Ecological Network

of MPAs are among the core targets of the BS

SAP2009 specified as follow:

Consider the need for creation of new

and/or expansion of existing protected

areas, including transboundary areas in

consultation with the relevant Black Sea

countries paying particular attention to

marine protected areas. Establishment

or extension of necessary areas must

consider not only the status of benthic

habitats but also the most important

breeding, feeding and wintering grounds

and migration routes of fish and marine

mammals and birds; Conduct relevant

scientific research, apply integrated

index of biological significance of aquatic

objects, etc.

Establish a regional mechanism for

regular information flow between

authorities dealing with PAs

management;

23 List of habitats critical to survival, reproduction and recovery of threatened flora and fauna species in the Black Sea was presented in the TDA (2008).

Develop management plans;

Monitor and facilitate the progress in the

implementation of nationally developed

management plans of the protected

areas;

Develop an inventory, classification and a

mapping system for BS habitats;

Develop ecologically coherent networks

of MPAs.

The principles of identification and

designation of MPAs within the Black Sea

states are non‐harmonised and practices

upheld in the different countries are not

shared, creating another urgent issue pending

in the regional agenda of environmental

protection. Guidelines for the establishment

of marine protected areas in the Black Sea,

recently developed by the ECBSea project

(http://81.8.63.74/ecbsea/en/documents/rele

vant/index.html) in cooperation with the Black

Sea Commission, is an important

harmonisation tool to be taken into account

by studies undertaking identification,

designation, the expansion and networking of

MPAs in the Black Sea region.

A draft List of Black Sea Habitats developed in

cooperation with the EU Topic Center on

Biodiversity is currently pending finalization;

habitat mapping based on modern techniques

should follow.

To facilitate the establishment of fishery‐free

zones and PAs, relevant mapping was initiated

in 2007 by BSC/PS and BSERP24 project. In

total 44 regional maps (excluding Turkish

waters) were prepared for areas of wintering,

spawning and fattening of adults, juveniles

and larvae and total distribution of species

(for fishes – seasonal distribution, for molluscs

– annual distribution). Whilst being the

property of the BSC, these existing maps and

similar mapping projects need to be further

24 UNDP/GEF Black Sea Environment Recovery Program



Determine new and/or expansion of existing protected areas, including transboundary areas in consultation with the relevant Black Sea countries.

Zoning in PAs. Development of indicators for assessing the

management effectiveness in designated marine protected areas.

Develop MPAs networks. Development of spatial planning (in the

sea), taking into consideration multiple uses, economic benefits and sensitivity of ecosystems.

developed, better communicated to decision‐

makers and utilised in studies related to the

development of MPAs network.

A robust, ecologically coherent network of

MPAs in the Black Sea as a whole will both

contribute to, and depend on, achievement of

other protection/conservation objectives (not

least in pollution reduction, sustainable

fisheries management, improvement of

legislation and enforcement, and capacity

building) set out in the updated Black Sea

Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and

Strategic Action Plan.

For some species, such as dolphins and fish,

the designation of offshore areas as MPAs

could be vitally important. Since such areas

are utilized by multiple users at sea –energy,

industry, transport, fishery, aquaculture, etc‐,

a wider approach such as Marine Spatial

Planning could be applied. Introduction of

energy, including underwater noise, is among

the parameters which need to be defined to

better substantiate conservation efforts.

5.2.6.4. ICZM, links with MSP & IRBM,

coastal sciences & engineering

Analysis of issues in marine and coastal areas

and those originating from catchment basins

reveals that the underlying causes of

individual problems in several cases interact,

many have a common basis, and may

frequently lead to effects of a combined and

cumulative nature (TDA, 2008). One of the

root causes is poorly regulated development

and resource use in coastal zones. A brief tour

around the region immediately reveals the

scale of this problem. Obviously, the

multiplicity of interdependent problems can

only be dealt with and responded to in a

holistic and integrated manner.

The Black Sea coastal countries, cooperating

within the framework of the Bucharest

Convention, agreed therefore to employ

common governance methodologies based on

an ‘ecology tenet’. The ‘ecology tenet’ deems

that coastal economic development

(associated with the coast and the sea itself)

to be sustainable and should take full account

of marine and coastal environment safety and

also consider developments upstream within

the wider catchment areas which may

negatively affect the state of the Black Sea.

In particular, through signing the BS‐SAP

(2009) countries confirmed (Article 3.1) to

adhere to the following governance and

management approaches:

Integrated Coastal Zone Management

(ICZM);

The Ecosystem Approach; and

Integrated River Basin Management

(IRBM).

The combined application of ICZM and IRBM

was affirmed as a legally binding general

obligation in the updated Protocol on the

Protection of the Marine Environment of the

Black Sea from Land‐Based Sources and

Activities (LBSA, 2009), which is urging

countries (Article 4f) to endeavour applying

the integrated management of coastal zones

and watersheds.


BS‐SAP (2009) shares the common definition

of ICZM with the Communication 2000 (547)

from the Commission of the European

Communities to the Council and the European

Parliament on Integrated Coastal Zone

Management: A Strategy for Europe (EU,

2000)25. Within the context of Ecosystem

Approach, the harmonization of ICZM and

MSP/MPA processes would be the

manifestation of the principle of integration of

terrestrial and marine domains26. Planning in

landward and seaward domains should

therefore be conducted in a truly coordinated

manner if the goal of the ‘ecology tenet’ is to

be fulfilled. MSP‐MPA, ICZM‐MSP and ICZM‐

IRBM links need to be legally established

careful planning practices, etc. for

sustainability of the governance and

environmental protection.

Furthermore, sound scientific knowledge and

background information on coastal margins

(land and water) and efficient management of

human development and activities in these

areas are indispensible for the achievement of

all four Ecosystem Quality Objectives

(EcoQOs) set by the BS SAP (2009).

25 Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) is a dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative process to promote sustainable management of coastal zones. It covers the full cycle of information collection, planning (in its broadest sense), decision making, management and monitoring of implementation. ICZM uses the informed participation and cooperation of all stakeholders to assess the societal goals in a given coastal area, and to take actions towards meeting these objectives. ICZM seeks, over the long‐term, to balance environmental, economic, social, cultural and recreational objectives, all within the limits set by natural dynamics (BS‐SAP, 2009), (EU, 2000). 26 "Integrated" in ICZM refers to the integration of objectives and also to the integration of the many instruments needed to meet these objectives. It means integration of all relevant policy areas, sectors, and levels of administration and also the integration of the terrestrial and marine components of the target territory, in both time and space (EU, 2000).

In 2007‐2008, the BSC ICZM AG27, based on

analysis provided by the UNDP/GEF BSERP

Project, made the following conclusions with

regard to the medium‐ and long‐term

priorities for ICZM in the Black Sea region:

Legal framework and strong

management instruments are needed in

all Black Sea countries to facilitate ICZM

implementation on the ground.

The Black Sea region should agree on and

apply a coherent system of indicators for

an integral assessment of the state of the

coastal zones in the Black Sea, and the

current progress with implementation of

ICZM.

ICZM Guidelines should be developed to

serve as a solution over a medium

period.

ICZM legal instrument, such as protocol

to the Black Sea Convention, could be

developed and adopted over a medium

to long‐term perspective.

Based on these conclusions, the BS‐SAP (2009)

contains two broadly defined targets (and

related outputs) in the field of ICZM: (i) to

further recognise and implement integrated

coastal zone management principles (through

development of ICZM Guidelines); and (ii) to

disseminate the knowledge of ICZM at various

levels of governance (through development of

education packages and delivery of practical

training).

These targets (and related research and

development needs) are in line with the

statements of the ICZM Communication

mentioned above (EU, 2000), concerning the

27 Black Sea Commission Advisory Group on Development of Common Methodologies for Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Black Sea countries (ICZM AG) provides recommendations to the Black Sea Commission on integrated governance of the coastal areas and facilitates links with relevant national authorities, as well as with the international and national scientific expertise.


generating information and knowledge about

the Coastal Zone (Section E), in which the

European Community pledges to (i) promote

the research that meets coastal zone

management needs; (ii) put special emphasis

on definition of indicators for the coastal

zone; (iii) support education and training in

ICZM.

It should also be recognized, that the coastal

management tasks and governance objectives

can not be achieved without the application of

sound science and its integration with coastal

decision‐making bodies. Therefore, through

the Shared ICZM Governance Platform for the

Mediterranean, the strategic research agenda

for coastal sciences has proposed to follow

such practices over two decades in this

partner region as well as in the Black Sea area

(see Annex 2, source: http://medcoast.org.tr).

Based on almost 20 years of experience, ICZM

work within the framework of the Bucharest

Convention and BS‐SAP, as well as by

extensive collaboration with EU initiatives

directed towards the Black Sea and other

regional seas, the following key governance,

policy and management oriented research

areas are proposed for inclusion in the field of

ICZM as part of the BS‐SRA:

See Footnote for *, **, ***, ****28.

28 * Protocol is proposed to prescribe ICZM governance

themes of institutional and legal nature, such as geographical coverage in application of ICZM; coastal management legislation; instruments for horizontal and vertical integration; integration of various coastal policies, strategies, programmes, plans and projects; and administrative rights for the public to challenge them; participation in strategic and environmental assessment; performance monitoring and review mechanisms; and some other issues related to transboundary, national and local coastal management arrangements, including coastal conservation and sustainable resources use. ** Outlined in Annex II. *** PEGASO (http://pegasoproject.eu) project (ongoing from February 2010 to January 2014), amongst many other objectives, is building and promoting the shared ICZM governance platform in the Black Sea, capacity building and dissemination to arrive at a legal agreement framework for ICZM in the Black Sea, similar to ICZM Protocol for the Mediterranean.

Key research issues (ICZM, links with MSP &

IRBM, coastal sciences & engineering):

Research to support the development of an ICZM legal instrument, such as protocol* for the Black Sea.

Develop monitoring and research capacity in the Black Sea region to comprehensively study the state of the coast, with special focus on sensitive coastal resources and ecosystems (beaches, dunes, wetlands, estuaries, lagoons, bays, river mouths, etc.).

Compile data in agreed formats for regular calculations of statistical, spatial and progress indicators for ICZM, including indicators defined for MSP and IRBM needs, and harmonized with coastal sustainability indicator schemes applied to other European regional seas.

Further promote and implement the strategic research agenda for coastal sciences & engineering** in support of ICZM in the Black Sea region, building on networking experiences of international scientific fora, such as the biannual Medcoast and Black Sea Outlook conference series.

Extend the research and application of the Shared ICZM Governance Platform developed under the FP7 PEGASO Project***.

Establish on an operational basis the observation system of the Black Sea catchment, following the key recommendations of FP7 enviroGRIDS****.


5.3. Research Support and Cross‐cutting

Issues for Fundamental and Applied

Research

5.3.1. Development of support tools for

policy implementation

Development/implementation of

environment‐related legal/policy documents,

strategies, plans, management programmes

and informed decision‐making all require

problem‐related scientific research at various

temporal and spatial scales, and the

subsequent assessments/diagnostic analyses

and conclusions. Data/information for such

uses in the Black Sea region is compiled from

in situ and remote sensing data collected via

different monitoring programmes and

projects. However, the collection of data is in

itself not enough29, there must be an

associated data management, data products

production, and communication

infrastructure. This infrastructure needs to

provide data/information freely and within

certain time limit to both researchers and

policy makers. So far little has been achieved

in the development of such infrastructure and

data sharing in the region. The regional data

management tools are also poorly advanced30.

The Black Sea Data‐Information‐Knowledge‐

Decisions ‘pyramid’ analysis revealed

significant gaps at all levels preceding the

ecosystem‐based management of

environment protection. The relevance of the

existing monitoring, data management tools,

decisions, and assisting capacity of scientists

and decision‐makers are doubtful as reflected

**** EnviroGRIDS @ Black Sea Catchment (http://envirogrids.net) project (with duration from April 2009 to March 2013) is targeting the needs of the Black Sea Commission to help bridging the gap between science and policy by assembling an observation system of the Black Sea catchment that will address several GEO Societal Benefit Areas. 29 Obviously, for three centuries a huge amount of data have been collected for the Black Sea. 30 SeaDataNet/UBSS provides for meta data only. Most of the projects (EC, NATO, UNDP/GEF) created data bases which are not available at present for wider use.

through different documents developed by

the BSC.

For instance, the ‘Diagnostic Report’ to guide

improvements to the regular reporting

process on the state of the Black Sea

environment, elaborated in 201031, specified

the achievements and the gaps in the national

monitoring systems and in BSIMAP, as well as

provided assessment of suitability of data

obtained within the BSIMAP and external data

sources (projects and national programmes)

for indicators’ development as a supporting

tool for policy implementation in the Black Sea

region.

The analysis of identified datasets and BS

monitoring/observation systems revealed

gaps in regularity and coverage in the national

monitoring systems, and non‐compliance with

commitments in terms of reporting, problems

with data accessibility, compatibility and

suitability to produce indicators. Further

analysis of the accessibility of data and

relevance of monitoring systems, availability

of data management tools and their products

usage at the level of decision‐making,

capacities and potential for change is required

to recommend improvements.

Beyond the need of for improvement of the

monitoring and data management system in

support to the regional and EU Policies;

specifically the MSFD, environmental targets

and GES indicators, taking into consideration

Annex I and III of the MSFD, as well as the

corresponding criteria and methodological

standards are to be developed for the Black

Sea.

The MSFD requires the application of an

ecosystem approach to the management of

human activities and the achievement of good

environmental status in the Community’s

marine environment addressing the North‐

31 EEA&BSC Project


Key research support issues:

Identification of suitability and introduction to routine monitoring of new parameters to improve the BS state of the environment assessment under the new conditions (recovery from eutrophication, climate change)

Harmonization of monitoring and assessment methodologies used in the region, including fish and other marine living resources, cetacean surveys, marine litter in the sea, contamination of marine sediments and marine biota

Development of methods and indicators allowing monitoring and assessment of the biological and ecological value of coastal zones

Setup assessment criteria and methodology for GES descriptors

Determination of GES and decision on GES objectives/targets relevant for the Black Sea, in line with ecosystem quality objectives and management targets established in the BS SAP 2009

Development of socio‐economic indicators to assess the associated impact of management scenarios

East Atlantic and the Baltic, Mediterranean

and Black Seas. The concept of Good

Environmental Status (GES) is the core target

of the Directive as described qualitatively in

Annex I which Member States must achieve by

2020. Eleven descriptors are identified for

determining GES (COM 2010/477/EU) using a

sets of indicators. The Directive will be

implemented in two‐phases: Preparation for

GES (how it will be expressed for each specific

region and made operational by 2014), and

achievement of GES (development of

programmes of measures by 2015 and their

implementation). Preparation phase consists

of assessment of environmental status (initial

assessment), setting environmental targets

(objectives) both in scientific and operational

terms and monitoring.

Having described the background

requirements above, the following are

proposed for consideration to support the

implementation of the MSFD (where

applicable) or harmonise the efforts of the

non‐EU coastal states with the EU‐member

states. This is also complemented with specific

key research issues mentioned in 5.1.4, 5.1.6

and 5.2.1.

5.3.2. Observation and forecasting systems

for operational oceanography

The marine environment is a complex and

turbulent system, characterized by strong

interactions between physical, chemical, and

biological processes. The study of these

processes whilst making meaningful

observations is difficult because of their high

spatio‐temporal variability (1‐1000 km

horizontal; days‐years‐decades+). The wide

range of scales makes it important to carry out

in‐situ observations at high spatial and

temporal resolutions over long periods.

The aim of operational oceanography is to

provide in “real time” reliable information and

forecasts for the marine environment in order

to support human activities at sea,

exploitation of resources and the protection



Creating collaborative objectives among riparian countries for the development and support of observing systems infrastructure in the Black Sea, real‐time in‐situ data collection, process studies, coastal and open sea moorings, profiling systems, research vessels and ships of opportunity, observing platforms such as floats, gliders, ferry‐boxes etc.

Development of earth systems forecasting capacity, integration of atmospheric, hydrological, ocean and climate models, improving predictability through data assimilation.

Integration and experimental design of observing systems, common data transmission, storage and backup facilities.

Data sharing policy development, availability of observing and forecasting system products to the general public and the special users.

Integration and collaboration with existing operational oceanography initiatives and development of common operational strategies.

of the environment. The development of

forecasting based on operational

oceanography tools improves the

understanding of the processes contributing

to the actual state of the ocean in the short‐

term, because better predictions require

these processes to be adequately and

precisely represented, while it is also most

likely that the long‐term response is also

represented by the same processes averaged

over time.

Observing platforms such as the traditionally

employed oceanographic ships, moorings, and

floats are tools for multidisciplinary

measurements of the ocean, but not always

with the required spatio‐temporal resolution.

The key point here is to avoid any aliasing

effect leading to erroneous conclusions. The

last 30 years have seen an increasing number

of actions dedicated to estimate the ocean

state or observe how climate change has

unfolded in the ocean. International programs

such as the GOOS and ARGO have been

instrumental in spreading and making

available the observational tools of

operational oceanography on a global scale,

and also at regional scale (e.g. EuroGOOS,

MedGOOS, MOON, MedARGO programs in

the Mediterranean region). Despite the Black

Sea regional initiatives such as Black Sea GOOS

and occasional uses of ARGO and other

drifters in the Black Sea, as well as

participation in the MyOcean program, there

is still much ground to be covered through

regional cooperation.

Operational oceanography encompasses (i)

specialized observing systems such as

repeated transects and mooring arrays (ii)

multi‐disciplinary observatories to monitor

short‐term as well as multi‐decadal patterns in

specific areas (iii) general operational

oceanographic tools such as ships of

opportunity, XBT’s, floats, drifters, ferry‐

boxes, AUV’s and gliders used to monitor

significant ocean variables through continuous

campaigns; (iv) remote sensing.

Further development of operational observing

systems and networks in the Black Sea is much

needed to better address diagnosis and

prognosis of circulation and ecosystem state,

in general, under climate and anthropogenic

forcing of various temporal and spatial scales.

5.3.3. Marine research infrastructure

Marine Research Infrastructure (MRI)

includes, among others, marine stations,

marine research organizations and research

vessels and their sustainability heavily

depends on national and international

projects. Recommendations for networking at

a regional level might be provided for the


implementation strategy of this regional

research plan.

Marine research infrastructure, in general

terms, include research vessels, submersibles

and unmanned vehicles, research aircraft,

moored instruments, tide gauges, Lagrangian

observations facilities, coastal and marine

observatories, marine laboratories, satellite

oceanography centers, modelling and data

centers, and ships of opportunity. The

existence of, and access to a complex and

modern research infrastructure is a

prerequisite to a successful research strategy

for the Black Sea. They support both

fundamental and applied scientific research

on climate change, domestic offshore energy

production, marine shipping, and severe

storm tracking, sustainable fisheries, and

changes in marine ecosystem services.

Besides, sustained observations are essential

at a sufficiently high frequency to explore the

temporally varying properties of the sea

environment and the complex interrelations

between processes and properties from the

sea surface to the seabed. A comprehensive

range of marine research infrastructure is

needed to overcome the present challenges in

marine science, and increased inter‐ and

multi‐disciplinary research will require a

growing suite of innovative infrastructure.

Despite the strategic and economic

significance of marine resources, the Black Sea

countries have national marine resource

development and marine RTD policies or

strategies. As a result, management of existing

marine RTD infrastructures (vessels, observing

systems, etc) and the planning of future

marine research infrastructures are based on

and reflect national priorities. On the other

hand, significant components of infrastructure

in the Black Sea countries are aged, obsolete,

or insufficient to perform high quality

scientific research. Moreover, current barriers

have inhibited collaborative efforts to plan for

the operation and maintenance of major,

high‐cost, critical infrastructure assets such as

ships, and observing systems platforms. The

Black Sea countries should establish and

maintain a coordinated plan for critical shared

ocean infrastructure investment, and

maintenance. Such a plan should focus on

trends in scientific needs and advances in

technology, while taking into consideration

life‐cycle costs, efficient use, surge capacity

for unforeseen events, and new opportunities

or national needs. It is recommended that

development, maintenance, or replacement of

marine research infrastructure assets should

be prioritized based on (1) usefulness for

addressing important scientific issues; (2)

affordability, efficiency, and longevity; and (3)

ability to contribute to other missions or

applications.

Among the European Seas, the Black Sea has

very limited capabilities in terms of carrying

out state of the art research in operational

oceanography due to the lack of sufficient

data to be assimilated into the operational

models, with the exception of satellite‐based

information.

It is appropriate to link the initiatives taken for

the Black Sea marine research infrastructure

with the concept of the European Research

Area (ERA, which aims to coordinate research

activities and facilitate the convergence of

research and innovation policies at national

and EU levels).


Key research support issues:

Identify important marine research infrastructure gaps and needs, and long‐term marine research infrastructure requirements and investments.

Identify the cost‐efficiency of mechanisms to shift from project based short‐term and unsystematic observational programs to long‐term and long‐time series sytematic sustained observations.

Identify mechanisms to link marine research infrastructure needs with funding opportunities.

Establish an interactive web‐based information system to provide access to information on the Black Sea and Europe’s marine research infrastructures.

Establish Marine Infrastructures Strategy Group and Forum for the co‐ordination of existing marine research infrastructures and planning of future infrastructures (in the context of a European Marine Research Area).

5.3.4. Human capacity building

Human Capacity Building activities and

programmes are crucial both for supporting

and creating new capacities of marine

scientists and managers. In order to consider

this huge gap (ageing of scientists but increase

of RTD demand), a review and modification of

education/training programmes could be

suggested especially to support the new

research topics and multi‐diciplinary research.

In order to achieve a vibrant future generation

of scientists in marine and maritime research

for the region, an Association of Young

Scientists (http://www.em‐a.eu/) should be

encouraged to be established for the Black

Sea. Such a platform should encourage

incentives and be well informed about the

policies/strategies regarding marine and

maritime research. Good examples of similar

initiatives could be contacted for advice

(http://www.eurocean.org/np4/file/2002/EuY

mast_Forum.pdf).

In parallel, a regional center/forum to

coordinate training and regional mechanisms

for the exchange expertise and experts could

be organized.

Existing education and training schemes

should be utilised especially for the support of

multi‐disciplinary research such as the “Black

Sea Universities Network”.

The Black Sea Universities Network

(www.univ‐ovidius.ro), a network that

involves more than 100 member universities

from the region, is one of the frameworks

suitable to strengthen inter‐university

cooperation for improving the quality of

higher education programs and facilitating the

involvement of students in marine and

maritime research. At present, BSUN is

coordinating the UN “Academic Impact” hub

on sustainable development that is a platform

for cooperation between the universities

worldwide and the UN in promoting education

for sustainable development (www.unai‐

sustainability.org ).


6. HIGH‐LEVEL ROADMAP

6.1. Short Term

Short term implementation strategy of this

SRA is closely linked with the tasks of the

SEAS‐ERA project. One of the objectives of the

project is to foster synergies at regional and

pan‐European level, mobilising competitive

and non‐competitive funds for research in a

more coordinated way, through common

programs and joint calls, so as to reach a

critical mass to address major cross‐thematic

marine and maritime research challenges.

Moreover, SEAS‐ERA will be a step forward

towards achievement of the Joint

Programming concept that promotes the

efficiency of funding returns by avoiding

fragmentation and enhancing cooperation

between partner countries research

programmes.

Common programming: Common

Programming is an independent Work

Package (WP2) in the SEAS‐ERA Project. This

WP is given the responsibilities to coordinate

and to harmonize a step‐by‐step approach

between the different regions to address a

process towards common programmes,

mostly based on non‐competitive funds

operated directly by the research performing

organisations (RPOs). It will facilitate the

exchange of methodologies among the marine

regions and will monitor the progress being

made during their implementations. It will be

in charge of implementing the common

transversal programmes at the pan‐European

level. More precisely it is expected to:

identify the right strategy to involve

ministries as well as national research

funding and research needing

organisations in the decision‐making and

resourcing processes (based on the

outcomes of WP1);

define and promote a common vision by

the participating member‐states on the

application of marine and maritime

research strategy to fulfil the requests of

society;

combine and strengthen existing national

programmes in the long term

perspective;

fill the existing gaps in cooperation by

proposing new collaborative

programmes;

propose test cases for common

programmes including the setting of the

best common practices to reach

excellence;

implement common programmes at the

pan‐European level. Description of work

Within WP2 initially, the programmes

implemented by the Research Performing

Organisations (RPOs) will be addressed. These

programmes will be developed by the partner

countries. For those programmes of highest

priority, project analyses will be performed

adhering to relevant information such as

objectives, content, duration, manpower

involved, total costs, partnerships,

infrastructure requested all of which are

necessary parameters to be stated in the

process of combining programmes. All

programmes will be identified independently

of their funding sources e.g. direct funding

from state ministries to RPOs, competitive

funding by various national funding agencies,

European agencies, international agencies and

private funding (foundations, industries...).

The inventories already produced by the

previous ERA‐Nets (i.e. MariFish, MarinERA

and AMPERA) will be used, completed and up‐

dated as most of the information refers to

competitive funding. Then, a synthesis will be

provided to allow the comparison of common


priorities. These will be matched with the

priority issues devised in WP1 using the

foresight exercise developed there, the long‐

term objectives being to help co‐ordinate and

guide common visions of the main priorities of

marine and maritime research.

These visions will be addressed both at the

pan‐European level in this WP, and at the

regional level (Atlantic, Mediterranean and

Black Sea) by the dedicated regional WPs.

Secondly, the Strategic Research Agenda will

be transmitted into a list of eligible common

programmes and a specific and precise

organisational system for the key scientific

challenges. In this way the Common

Programming Task (Task 8.2) will be the

regional component of the WP2 in the Black

Sea. Task 8.2 is expected to be one of the

main tools to achieve realization of the

implementation of this SRA. It aims at

identifying the right strategy to bring together

national ministries, research funding bodies

and research performing organizations to

define a mechanism for the implementation of

the common research component of this SRA

funded by existing resources. This task will

build and enrich the information gathered in

the scientific component of the SRA, looking

more in‐depth into the analyses of the current

activities of the research performing

organizations and the instruments for

supporting regional scientific policies in the

area of marine research.

Call: Joint Calls are one of the core

components of the ERA‐NET Scheme. They are

an important instrument in support of the

development of the ERA, for improving the

coordination of national and regional research

activities and programmes, and enhancing

European competitiveness.

The potential RTD themes for pilot

competitive calls will be selected among the

scientific component of this SRA. The call will

be launched during the third year of the

project (month 30). This will be a major

milestone of the WP8. The results of the call

and proposals for follow‐up actions will be

examined during a workshop to be held at the

end of the project.

Black‐Sea Era.Net: The marine related ERA‐

Net experience of the Black Sea Region in FP6

was poor since there were no participants in

the ongoing ERA‐Nets. However, in FP7, the

research funding organizations of the region

established BS‐ERA.NET which became

operational by January 2009. BS‐ERA.NET is a

networking project aimed at integrating the

participating countries from the Black Sea

extended region in the European Research

Area by linking research activities within

existing national, bilateral and regional RTD

programmes. The project is financed by the

European Commission within the FP7 and

managed by a consortium of 17 institutions

from 13 European countries, namely Romania,

Greece, Italy, Turkey, France, Azerbaijan,

Armenia, Germany, Ukraine, Moldova, Malta,

Georgia and Bulgaria. The initiative has a

major objective, amongst others, of improving

the coherence and coordination of national

and regional research programs in the BS

Region. This will provide a good complement

for the development of the Black Sea

component of SEAS‐ERA.

A pilot joint call was implemented under the

BS‐ERA.NET Project and 11 Joint projects have

been decided to be supported under this call.

The thematic distribution of these projects is

as follows:

Water pollution prevention options for

coastal zones and tourist areas – 6

projects


Hydrogen production from H2S rich Black

Sea Water – 2 projects

CO2 capture and storage technologies

for zero emission power generation in

the Black Sea Region – 2 projects

Exploitation and transport of mineral

resources ‐ impact on environment – 1

project

By looking at the distribution of the supported

projects and considering that over 70 percent

of the project applications were submitted in

the area of environment, one can conclude

marine science to be a extremely important

common area of research for the countries of

the Black Sea. For this reason, a synergy

between BS‐ERA.NET and SEAS‐ERA must be

created. This document may be used as a

guide to possible future calls under the

planned Black Sea Research Programme.

Bearing in mind that BS‐ERA.NET is in its

finalization process, possible ERA.NET Plus or

Article 185 actions, which will target this

region have to be considered as important

possible implementation areas of this SRA.

6.2. Long Term

JPI Oceans: Joint programming is a concept

introduced by the European Commission in

July 2008 and is one of five initiatives aimed at

implementing the European Research Area

(ERA). The concept intends to tackle the

challenges that cannot be solved solely at the

national level and allows Member States and

Associated Countries to participate in those

joint initiatives beneficial for them.

The Objective of JPI is to increase the value of

relevant national and EU R&D and

infrastructure investments by concerted and

joint planning, implementation and evaluation

of national research programmes.

Member States and Associated Countries are

expected to coordinate national research

activities in the broadest sense, group

resources, benefit from complementarities

and develop common research and innovation

agendas, as a basis for long‐term cooperation

in order to face major societal challenges.

The Joint Programming Initiative: Healthy and

Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans) is

a coordinating and integrating long‐term

platform, open to all EU Member States and

Associated Countries who invest in marine

and maritime research.

While uniting the participating Member States

and Associated Countries the JPI Oceans aims

to achieve positive results by:

avoiding fragmentation and unnecessary

duplication

planning common and flexible initiatives

facilitating cooperation and foresighting

establishing efficient mechanisms for

interaction and knowledge transfer

between the scientific community,

industry & services, and policy makers at

high level to more effectively solve the

major challenges.

Through its role as a coordination platform,

the JPI will focus on the so‐called

institutionalised money within national

research budgets which represent 85% of the

EU marine funding. One of the JPI’s goals is

to develop joint research programs in which

countries can be involved on a voluntary basis

(variable geometry). Participating countries

will also decide what contribution to make:

this may include institutional, project‐related

or new funds.

The JPI Healthy and Productive Seas and

Oceans will be run by a top‐level Managerial

Board consisting of two representatives from

each country with sufficient authority to agree


on joint action plans and potential funding

initiatives across Europe.

The Managerial Board will appoint a Strategic

Advisory Board of high‐ranked scientists,

technologists, economists and industrial

sector representatives. Their task will be to

develop a strategic research and innovation

agenda (SRIA) and to advise on the

implementation tools needed. The Managerial

Board will approve the SRIA which will be used

to produce an implementation plan.

The JPI Oceans will be compiled on the

principle of variable geometry. Participating

countries will decide which actions to

participate in and which contributions to

provide. By doing so the JPI will seek to use

the broadest range of funding and

instruments available for research,

infrastructure and innovation at national,

regional and European level:

additional funds, in‐kind support (human

resources, infrastructure and

institutionalised money),

structural and cohesion funds,

grants,

foster networking and research alliances

(across the innovation chain), and

adopt mechanisms to foster open access

to knowledge, data and information.

The ERA‐NETs have invaluable experience in

solving the issues of cross border funding and

the JPI could benefit widely from such

experience. This also applies in the

development of the JPI Strategic Research and

Innovation Agenda. In this regard, SEAS‐ERA is

expected to provide a significant contribution

to the JPI Oceans. This SRA can be perceived

as the contribution of the Black Sea region to

the JPI Oceans.

The SRA implementation will be supported by

the two main regional organizations – BSEC

and BSC.

BSEC was founded with the purpose of

enhancing peace and stability through

cooperation among the BSEC countries and

has been an active player in many fields

through its special Working Groups, including

fostering of scientific research. The BSEC

project‐oriented policy is supported by two

Funds: the Project Development Fund (PDF)

and the Hellenic Development Fund (HDF).

The Working Group on cooperation in science

and technology is important and amongst

those worth mentioning, as this group deals

with horizontal issues which also include

marine sciences. The Ministers responsible for

Science and Technology of the BSEC Member

States adopted, in May 2010, the “2nd Action

Plan on Cooperation in Science and

Technology 2010‐2014”, an important policy

document promoting general S&T cooperation

within the region. With its focus on the four

pillars of policy orientations namely, human

resources, capacity building, research

infrastructure and innovation, the document

denotes the willingness and commitment of

the BSEC countries for the enhancement of

cooperation in areas which marine research

should also benefit from. From a more specific

approach, the efforts of the Working Group on

Environmental Protection are also crucial. The

Action Plan on Environmental Protection,

endorsed by the Ministers of Environment of

the Member States in 2006 calls for enhanced

cooperation in specified areas, such as

international cooperation, harmonization of

environmental legislation, protection of the

Black Sea marine and coastal environment,

and environmental based education and

training. At the Meeting held in May 2011, the

Ministers in Charge of Environmental

Protection, decided to update the Action Plan,


according to the new challenges and priorities

of the region. The Council of Ministers of

Foreign Affairs of the BSEC Member States

held in November 2010 adopted the Joint

Declaration on Combating Climate Change in

the wider Black Sea area (“Thessaloniki

Declaration”). The Council established a Task

Force, within the Working Group on energy to

promote Green Energy by identifying common

aspects of Green Growth policies pursued by

the Member States and exploring ways to

develop Green Energy projects and the

necessary investments, in particular on

renewable energy sources, energy efficiency

and environmentally friendly technologies.

All such efforts are crucial, in that they show

the needs and expectations of people in the

region are properly being addressed and

supported at the political level.

The Black Sea Commission is presently the

regional Focal Point in environmental

protection, dealing with monitoring activities,

policy and legislation development, state of

the environment assessments, decision‐

making, harmonization in different aspects

(standards, methodologies, policies),

emergency situations, etc.

The BSC is made up of one representative

from each of the Black Sea coastal states,

parties to the Bucharest Convention (Bulgaria,

Georgia, Romania, Russian Federation, Turkey

and Ukraine). The institutional structure of the

BSC includes subsidiary bodies: Permanent

Secretariat, based in Istanbul, and six Advisory

Groups working in the fields of environmental

safety aspects of shipping (ESAS), pollution

monitoring/assessments (PMA), land‐based

sources of pollution (LBS), integrated coastal

zone management (ICZM), biodiversity

protection and conservation (CBD), and

management of living resources (FOMLR). The

advisory Groups serve not only as specialized

technical bodies but also as an intermediary

between the Commission and the national

authorities and other stakeholders.

Article XV “Scientific and technical

cooperation and monitoring” of the Bucharest

Convention stipulates Contracting Parties to

cooperate in “conducting scientific research

aimed at protecting and preserving the marine

environment of the Black Sea...”; conducting

studies on assessment of pollution and of its

effect on the ecosystem, establishing a

pollution monitoring system for the Black Sea.

The respective function of the BSC is to

“receive, process and disseminate to the

Contracting Parties relevant scientific,

technical and statistical information and

promote scientific and technical research”.

The Black Sea Integrated Monitoring and

Assessment Programme (BSIMAP) has been

implemented by the Black Sea Commission

since 2001. The BSIMAP is addressed to the

main transboundary environmental problems

in the Black Sea region: eutrophication, water

pollution and water quality, biodiversity

change and decline, habitats destruction and

overfishing. The main purpose of the BSIMAP

is to provide data for the state of the

environment reporting, impact assessments of

major pollutant sources, and transboundary

diagnostic analysis. The final version of

BSIMAP was adopted in 2006 at the 13th

Meeting of the Commission. The BSIMAP is

based on the national monitoring and

assessment programs. It is operational,

providing common format reports to the BSC

annually. The data from the reports are

loaded into the Black Sea Information System

(BSIS) and used to evaluate changes over time

in the coastal and marine environment.

Following the recommendations of the Black

Sea Strategic Action Plan (BS SAP 2006), the

BSC is organizing regular (bi‐ or tri‐annual


Black Sea Scientific Conferences to strengthen

the scientific foundations of decision‐making

in the Black Sea region. The first Conference

was held in Istanbul, Turkey in May 2006, the

second – in Sofia, Bulgaria in October 2008,

and the third ‐ in Odessa, Ukraine in

November 2011. The updated BS SAP 2009

was adopted at the Meeting of the

Contracting Parties to the Bucharest

Convention held in Sofia, Bulgaria in April

2009. The need to support scientific activities

was reconfirmed in its Management Target

25: “Support coordinated scientific studies,

increase resources to marine science and

improve capacity particularly through targeted

training programmes supporting scientific

projects/programmes”.

Facilitating the establishment of regional

scientific programs is included in the Work

Program of the Black Sea Commission. The

BSC Work Program also contains provisions on

the integration of Black Sea scientific projects

in the work of the BSC. Furthermore, the BSC

promotes addressing SAP targets in national

and international projects dealing with the

Black Sea. Scientific news are published on the

web page of the Black Sea Commission

(www.blacksea‐commission.org).


Annex 1

GENERIC EVALUATION OF STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT & MANAGEMENT IN BLACK SEA TRANSBOUNDARY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (TDA 2007)

Stakeholder Involvement And Impact Description Management Involvement Degree Impactedby Issue Management of issue:

Directly Indirectly Not Involved

Degree Impacted:

High Medium Low

Nu

trie

nts

Fis

her

ies

Pol

luti

on

Bio

div

ersi

ty

Nu

trie

nts

Fis

her

ies

Pol

luti

on

Bio

div

ersi

ty

1. Water, Hydro-meteorological Department

2. Environmental Ministry32

3. Industry Ministry

4. Energy Ministry

5. Economic Ministry

6. Foreign Affairs Ministry

7. Defence Ministry

8. Internal Affairs Ministry

9. Agriculture Ministry

10. Fisheries Agencies

11. Social Welfare / Public Health Ministry

12. Labour Ministry

13. Public Administrator/ planning agency

14. Regulator agent official/ Enforcement agent

15. Shipping Agencies

16. Parliamentary committees33

17. Inter ministerial Committees/Basin Committees

18. Non Governmental Organization

19. Scientists

20. Manufacturing industry

21. Agro-industry

22. Live stock industry

23. Shipping industry

24. Fishing industry

25. Harbour/port administration

26. Regional government official

27. District water management official

28. Environmental Protection Agencies official

29. Municipal Government

30. Municipal waste manager

31. Nature reserve staff

32. Community based organization

33. Worker on a state owned farm

34. Worker on a privately owned farm

35. Fisherman small-scale

36. Educator/teacher

37. Student

38. Public health care provider

39. Member of coastal community

40. Tourism/Recreation industry

41. Press and media

42. International Funding Inst.

32 Natural Resources, Ecology, Water, Forestry, Sustainable Development 33 Parliamentary committees for environmental protection


Annex 2

FIELDS OF RESEARCH IN COASTAL SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT (www.medcoast.org.tr)

COASTAL SYSTEMS, CONSERVATION ISSUES

Physical features;

Geography, coastal geology, geomorphology, sedimentology;

Coastal oceanography;

Coastal and marine ecosystems, biology and ecology;

Marine mammals, problem of exotic & invasive species;

Conservation issues, biodiversity, endangered species,

Coastal ecosystem management;

Rehabilitation of damaged ecosystems;

Coastal and marine protected areas;

Coastal landscapes. INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

Theoretical framework and case reports;

Coastal management tools and instruments, databases;

Coastal and marine policy, science and policy integration;

Coastal governance, institutional arrangements;

International, national and local efforts and programs pertinent to ICZM;

Legal, economic and social issues;

Environmental and ecological economics, instruments;

Training and education, public involvement & NGO role, media role;

Evaluation of ICZM impacts, coastal management indicators;

Demonstration pilot projects. COASTAL MANAGEMENT ISSUES

Coastal wetlands, coastal dunes, estuaries, deltas and lagoons;

Beaches and their management;

Coastal water resources and watershed management;

Water quality management, water and sediment pollution, land based sources, hazardous wastes, algal blooms, bio‐indicators of pollution and monitoring, pollution control, sea outfalls, waste water treatment, reuse and recycling;

Marine litter, solid wastes management;

Trans‐boundary pollution issues;

Coastal and environmental impacts, coastal degradation, environmental impact assessment (EIA) for coastal projects, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA);

Environmental risk management;

Climate change impacts and adaptation strategies;

Coastal and submarine archaeology; management of ancient sites, monuments and ship wrecks.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF COASTAL AREAS

Sustainable development concerns, indicators, sustainable development of coastal and sea resources;

Coastal and maritime spatial planning;

Urban development issues; waterfront renovation;

Coastal tourism planning and management, facility sitting, alternative tourism, ecotourism, recreation;

Marine tourism, cruises, yachting, marinas;

Living resources, fisheries, mariculture;

Transportation issues: oil transport and pollution;

Sitting of major industrial facilities. COASTAL ENGINEERING, MODELLING, DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND DATA MANAGEMENT

Coastal, environmental and ecosystem modelling;

Coastal hydrodynamics;

Coastal sediment transport and erosion;

Coastal processes; shoreline management and erosion control;

Coastal and ecocoastal engineering;

Water level changes, sea level rise and consequences;

Monitoring of coastal environment;

Use of remote sensing technology and geographic information systems in coastal management.


LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

EXPERTS CONTRIBUTED TO THE TEXT

SRA Part Lead authors/supporting

contributions E‐mail

Introduction Dr. Çolpan Polat Beken, Dr. Violeta Velikova, WS Experts

[email protected][email protected]

A Shared Vision For the Black Sea Dr. Çolpan Polat Beken, Dr. Violeta Velikova, WS Experts

The Black Sea Basin: Regional Specificities and the Context

Dr. Çolpan Polat Beken, Dr. Violeta Velikova, WS Experts

A Strategic Research Agenda for the Black Sea Basin: Objectives and Benefits

Dr. Çolpan Polat Beken, Dr. Violeta Velikova, WS Experts

Specific Research Priorities for the Black Sea Basin:

Basic research and fundamental understanding

Understanding the geological structure and dynamics of the Black Sea Basin as a primary factor influencing its general evolution

Prof. Nicholas Panin

[email protected]

Physical climate, hydrological cycle, ventilation and inter‐basin coupling

Prof. Emin Özsoy [email protected]

Understanding climatic variability and climate change impacts on coastal and offshore ecosystems in the Black Sea including the effects of ocean acidification

Prof. Temel Oğuz [email protected]

Changes in biodiversity and habitats, noting the introduction and impacts of invasive species

Prof. Dr. Snejana Moncheva, Prof. Ahmet Kıdeyş, Dr. Violeta Velikova

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Understanding and governing eutrophication of the coastal and deep parts of the sea: biogeochemical and primary biological basic processes, mechanisms and consequences

Prof. Sergey Konovalov (Supported by SoE (2008) and inputs of BSC officers and experts)

[email protected]

Ensuring Good Water/Sediment/Bioresources/Beach Quality for Human and Ecosystem Health (including litter)

(Developed basing on SoE (2008) and inputs of BSC officers and experts)

Deep sea research Prof. Sergei Gulin [email protected]

Applied Research: Science supporting Society & Maritime Economy

Renewable energy Dr. Emil Stanev [email protected]

Exploitation of mineral resources, energy and communication projects

Prof. Nicholas Panin

[email protected]


Maritime transport Prof. Emin Özsoy [email protected]

Fishery and aquaculture with focus on preservation and sustainable use of marine living resources

(Developed basing on SoE (2008) and inputs of BSC officers and experts)

Marine biotechnology Dr. Vitaliy Ryabushko [email protected]

Natural hazards and risk assessments Prof. Atanas Palazov palazov@io‐bas.bg

Socio‐economic research Dr. Duncan Knowler [email protected]

Marine spatial planning (MSP) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Prof. Ahmet Kıdeyş, Dr. Violeta Velikova, Dr. Tania Zaharia, Dr. Valeria Abaza

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] valeria.abaza@blacksea‐commission.org

ICZM, links with MSP & IRBM, coastal sciences & engineering

Dr. Mamuka Gvilava [email protected]

Research support and cross‐cutting issues for fundamental and applied research

Development of support tools for policy implementation

Dr. Violeta Velikova, Dr. Çolpan Polat Beken, Dr. Valeria Abaza

[email protected]@mam.gov.tr valeria.abaza@blacksea‐commission.org

Observation and forecasting systems for operational oceanography

Prof. Emin Özsoy [email protected]

Marine research infrastructure Prof. Temel Oğuz [email protected]

Human capacity building Prof. Eden Mamut (supported by all experts)

emamut@univ‐ovidius.ro

High‐Level Road Map Tarık Şahin (with contributions from BSC and BSEC)

[email protected]

Prof. Erdal Özhan ([email protected]) contributed with his comments on specific sections

and thoroughly reviewed the SRA.


EXPERTS PARTICIPATED IN THE SECOND STRATEGIC WORKSHOP– 16 December 2011, İstanbul

# Name Institution E‐mail

1 Çolpan Beken TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center [email protected]

2 Ahmet Kıdeyş Middle East Technical UniversityInstitute of Marine Sciences

[email protected]

3 Emin Özsoy Middle East Technical UniversityInstitute of Marine Sciences

[email protected]

4 Bayram Öztürk Istanbul University [email protected]

5 Ertuğ Düzgüneş Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Faculty of Marine Science

[email protected]

6 Erdinç Güneş Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, General Directorate of Agricultural Research

[email protected]

7 Temel Oğuz Middle East Technical University Institute of Marine Sciences

[email protected]

8 Volodymyr Myroshnychenko

Black Sea Commission Permanent Secretariat (BSC PS)

volodymyr.myroshnychenko@blacksea‐commission.org

9 Violeta Velikova SURDEP [email protected]

10 Mamuka Gvilava Black Sea Commission Permanent Secretariat (BSC PS)

[email protected]

11 Marian Traian Gomoiu

Romanian Academy, GeoEcoMar –National Institute for Marine Geology and Geoecology, Ovidius University Constanta

[email protected]

12 Atanas Palazov Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology

palazov@io‐bas.bg

13 Eden Mamut Ovidius University of Constantza emamut@univ‐ovidius.ro

14 Amb. Aliosha Nedelchev

Organisation of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)

anedelchev@bsec‐organization.org

15 Tania Zaharia National Institute for Marine Research and Development (INCDM)

[email protected]

16 Viorel Vulturescu National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCS)

[email protected]

17 Olexander Polonsky National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) ‐ Marine Hydrophysical Institute

[email protected]

18 Volodymyr Novikov National University “Lviv Politechnic [email protected]

19 Sergey Gulin National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) ‐ Institute of Biology of Southern Seas

[email protected]

20 Sergey Konovalov National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) ‐ Marine Hydrophysical Institute

[email protected]

21 Snejana Moncheva Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) ‐Institute of Oceanography

[email protected]


EXPERTS PARTICIPATED IN THE FIRST STRATEGIC WORKSHOP – 11 March 2011, Ankara

# Name Institution E‐mail

1 Çolpan Beken TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center [email protected]

2 Ahmet Kıdeyş Black Sea Commission ahmet.kideys@blacksea‐commission.org

3 Emin Özsoy Middle East Technical University Institute of Marine Sciences

[email protected]

4 Bayram Öztürk Istanbul University [email protected]

5 Ahmet Cevdet Yalçıner

Middle East Technical UniversityDepartment of Civil Engineering Ocean Engineering Research Centre

[email protected]

6 Ertuğ Düzgüneş Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Faculty of Marine Science

[email protected]

7 Erdinç Güneş Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, General Directorate of Agricultural Research

[email protected]

8 George Kordzakhia The National Environmental Agency [email protected]

9 Mamuka Gvilava Black Sea Commission Permanent Secretariat (BSC PS)

[email protected]

10 Kakha Nadiradze Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Sustainable Development Department

[email protected]

11 Nicolaie Panin Romanian Academy, National Institute of Marine Geology and Geo‐ecology – GeoEcoMar

[email protected]

12 Marian Traian Gomoiu

Romanian Academy, GeoEcoMar –National Institute for Marine Geology and Geoecology, Ovidius University Constanta

[email protected]

13 Viorel Vulturescu National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCS)

[email protected]

14 Atanas Palazov Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oceanology

palazov@io‐bas.bg

15 Volodymyr Novikov National University “Lviv Politechnic [email protected]

16 Olga Andrianova Hydroacoustic Branch of Marine Hydrophysical Institute, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine

[email protected]

17 Tamara Kukovska State Science Institution "Department of Marine Geology and Sedimentary Ore Formation NAS of Ukraine"

[email protected]


ABBREVIATIONS and ACRONYMS

ACRONYM TITLE WEBSITE

ACCOBAMS Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and continuous Atlantic area

http://www.accobams.org/

AMPERA European Coordination Action to Foster Prevention and Best Response to Accidental Marine Pollution

www.cid.csic.es/ampera/index.php

ARENA A Regional Capacity Building and Networking Programme to Upgrade Monitoring and Forecasting Activity in the Black Sea Basin

ARGO The broad‐scale global array of temperature/salinity profiling floats

http://www.argo.net/

ASCOBOS A Supporting Programme for Capacity Building in the Black Sea Region towards Operational Status of Oceanographic Service

http://www.ascabos.io‐bas.bg/

BASs Biologically Active Substances

Black Sea ERA‐NET

Networking on Science and Technology in the Black Sea Region

http://www.bs‐era.net

BlackSeaGOOS

Global Ocean Observing System (Black Sea) http://www.ims.metu.edu.tr/Black_Sea_GOOS/

BONUS Science for a Better Future of the Baltic Sea Region

http://www.bonusportal.org/

BSC The Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (the Black Sea Commission)

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/main.asp

BSC ICZM AG Black Sea Commission Advisory Group on Development of Common Methodologies for Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the Black Sea Countries

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_ag‐tor‐iczm.asp

BSC/PS Black Sea Commission Permenant Secretariat

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org

BSC‐SoE The Black Sea State of Environment Report (2001‐2006/7)

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_publ‐SOE2009.asp

BSEC Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation

http://www.bsec‐organization.org

BSEP Black Sea Environment Programme

BS‐ML‐SAP Strategic Action Plan for the Management and Abatement of Marine Litter in the Black Sea Region

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_publ‐ML.asp

BS SAP Black Sea Strategic Action Plan

BSERP Black Sea Environment Recovery Project

BSIMAP The Black Sea Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_bsimap.asp

BSRC IOC Black Sea Regional Committee

BS SCENE Black Sea Scientific Network Project http://www.blackseascene.net/

BSUN The Black Sea Universities Network http://www.bsun.org/

CBD The BSC Advisory Group on Conservation of Biological Diversity

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_ag‐tor‐cbd.asp

CIESM The Mediterranean Science Commission http://www.ciesm.org/

CIW Cold Intermediate Water

COCONET Towards COast to COast NETworks of Marine Protected Areas (from the shore to


the high and deep sea)

daNUbs Nutrient Management in the Danube Basin and its Impact on the Black Sea

DEDUCE Sustainable Development of European Coastal Zones

http://www.deduce.eu/

DPSIR Driving Forces‐Pressures‐State‐Impact‐Response

EBRD European Bank for Reconstuction and Development

http://www.ebrd.com

EC European Commission http://ec.europa.eu/

ECBSea Environmental Collaboration for the Black Sea

http://81.8.63.74/ecbsea/en/documents/relevant/index.html

EcoQOs Ecosystem Quality Objectives

ECOOP European Coastal‐shelf sea operational Observing and forecasting system

https://ecoop.progecta.info

EMODNET European Marine Observation and Data NEtwork

ENCORA European Platform for Coastal Research Coordination Action

http://www.encora.org

ENSO El Nino/Southern Oscillation

EnviroGRIDS Building Capacity for a Black Sea Catchment Observation and Assessment System supporting Sustainable Development

http://envirogrids.net/

ERA European Research Area

ERA‐NET European Researh Area Network

ERA‐NET RUS Linking Russia to the ERA: Coordination of MS/AC S&T Programmes towards and with Russia

http://www.eranet‐rus.eu/

ESAS The BSC Advisory Group on Environmental Safety Aspects of Shipping

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_ag‐tor‐esas.asp

Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Tranboundary Context

http://www.unece.org/env/eia/eia.html

EU European Union http://europa.eu/

EU FP European Union Framework Programmes http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/home_en.html

EuroARGO European Contribution to ARGO Programme

http://www.euro‐argo.eu/

EUROGEL EUROpean GELatinous Zooplankton: Mechanisms behind Jellyfish Blooms and Their Ecological and Socio‐economic Effects

http://www.bio.uib.no/eurogel/

EuroGOOS European Global Ocean Observing System http://www.eurogoos.org/

EUROPEAID Development and Cooperation Directorate General of the European Commission

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/index_en.htm

FOMLR The BSC Advisory Group on Environmental Aspects of Fisheries and other Marine Living Resources Management

http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_ag‐tor‐fomlr.asp

GEF Global Environment Facility http://www.thegef.org/gef/

GES Good Environmental Status

GFCM/SAC Scientific Advisory Committee of the General Fisheries Commission fort he Mediterranean

http://www.gfcm.org

GMES Global Monitoring for Environment and Security

http://www.gmes.info/

GOOS Global Ocean Observing System http://www.ioc‐goos.org/


GPA Global Programme of Action

GSRT General Secreteriat for Science and Technology

http://www.gsrt.gr

HCMR Hellenic Center for Marine Research http://www.hcmr.gr

HDF Hellenic Development Fund http://www.bsecprojects.com/

HERMES Hotspot Ecosystem Research on the Margins of European Seas

HYPOX In Situ Monitoring of Oxygen Depletion in Hypoxic Ecosystems of Coastal and Open‐seas and Land‐locked Water Bodies

http://www.hypox.net/

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency http://www.iaea.org/

IASON International Action for Sustainability of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Environment

http://www.iasonnet.gr/

ICG/NEAMTWS

Intergovernmental Coordination Group Tsunami Early Warning System and Mitigation System in the North Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean and Connected Seas

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

http://www.ipcc.ch/

IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

http://www.ioc‐unesco.org/

IODE International Oceanographic Data And İnformation Exchange

http://www.iode.org/

ICAM Integrated Coastal Area Management

ICPRD İnternational Commission For The Protection Of The Danube River

http://www.icpdr.org/

ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone Management

IMO International Maritime Organization http://www.imo.org/Pages/home.aspx

IOC International Oceanographic Commission

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

http://www.ipcc.ch/

IRBM Integrated River Basin Management

KnowSeas The Knowledge‐based Sustainable Management for Europe's Seas

http://www.knowseas.com/

LBSA Land Based Sources of Pollution and Activities

MariFish Strengthening the links between European marine fisheries science and fisheries management

http://www.marifish.net/

Marine Board‐ESF

Marine Board‐European Science Foundation

http://www.esf.org/

MarinERA http://marinera.seas‐era.eu/

MedARGO http://www.medargo.com/

MEECE Marine Ecosystem Evolution in a Changing Environment

http://www.meece.eu/

MedGOOS The Mediterranean Global Ocean Observing System

http://www.medgoos.net/

MESMA Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas

http://www.mesma.org/

MLR Marine Living Resources

MONINFO Monitoring And Information System For Reducing Oil Pollution İn The Black Sea


MoU PSC Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Black Sea Region

http://www.bsmou.org/

MPAs Marine Protected Areas

MSFD Marine Strategy Framework Directive

MSP Marine spatial planning

MyOcean http://www.myocean.eu.org/

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/index.htm

NCP North Sea ‐ Caspian pattern

NGO Non‐governmental organization

ODEMM Options for Delivering Ecosystem‐Based Marine Management

http://www.liv.ac.uk/odemm/

ODINBLACKSEA

The Ocean Data and Information Network for the Black Sea

http://www.odinblacksea.org/

OSCE Organization for Security and Co‐operation in Europe

http://www.osce.org/

PDF Project Development Fund

PERSEUS Projecting European Seas and Borders through the Intelligent use of surveillence

http://www.perseus‐fp7.eu/

PlanCOAST http://www.plancoast.eu/

PMA pollution monitoring/assessments

RPOs Research Performing Organisations

SAP Strategic Action Plan http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_table‐legal‐docs.asp

SASEPOL Development of Security Management and Maritime Safety and Ship Pollution Prevention for the Black Sea and Caspian Sea

http://www.sasepol.eu/

SEAS ERA Towards Integrated Marine Research Strategy and Programmes

http://www.seas‐era.eu/np4/homepage.html

SEADATANET I/II

Pan‐European İnfrastructure For Ocean And Marine Data Management

http://www.seadatanet.org/

SESAME Southern European Seas: Assessing and Modelling Ecosystem Changes

http://www.sesame‐ip.eu/

SIDA Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency

http://www.sida.se/English/

SoE State of Environment

SPICOSA Science and Policy Integration for Coastal System Assessment

http://www.spicosa.eu/

SRA Strategic Research Agenda

TACIS EC Technical Assistance Commonwealth of Independent States

TDA Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis http://www.blacksea‐commission.org/_publications‐GEF.asp

THRESHOLDS http://www.thresholds‐eu.org/

TPH Total petroleum hydrocarbon

TSS Turkish Straits System

TÜBİTAK The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

http://www.tubitak.gov.tr/

UN United Nations http://www.un.org/

UNDP/GEF United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility

http://web.undp.org/gef/

UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for http://www.unece.org/


Europe

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

whc.unesco.org/

UNEP United nations environment programme (UNEP)

http://www.unep.org/

UpGrade Black Sea SCENE

http://www.blackseascene.net/

VTMS Vessel Traffic Management Systems

WB World Bank http://www.worldbank.org/

WP Work Package


SEAS‐ERA BLACK SEA PARTNERS

TÜBİTAK The Scientific and Technological

Reseach Council of Turkey, Turkey http://www.tubitak.gov.tr/

UEFISCDI

The Executive Agency for Higher

education, Research, Development

& Innovation Funding, Romania

http://www.uefiscdi.gov.ro/

MEYS Ministry of Education, Youth and

Science, Bulgaria http://www.mon.bg

KyivCSTEI

Kyiv State Center for Scientific,

Technical and Economic

Information, Ukraine

http://www.cntei.kiev.ua/index_e.php

SRNSF Shota Rustaveli National Science

Foundation, Georgia http://rustaveli.org.ge/index.php

Documents

Strategic Research Agenda for the Black Sea Basin