In recent years, hydrocarbon exploration and production operations have intensified in the Black Sea. Alongside growth in exploration and production activities, the influence of chemical usage across multiple industrial sectors within the Black Sea environment has become increasingly interesting. The aim of this research was to define a protocol for determining the acute toxicity of chemicals using the golden grey mullet, Chelon auratus (Risso, 1810), a native pelagic fish species of the Black Sea. Juvenile golden grey mullets were exposed for 96 h, under semi-static conditions, to dilutions of the reference toxicant 3,5-Dichlorophenol. Results from three reference toxicity tests (LC50 = 1.25 mg/L, 1.739 mg/L, and 1.409 mg/L) indicated that C. auratus is of moderate sensitivity when compared to literature values from EPAs Ecotox database. The protocol described within is intended to ensure Black Sea native organisms are represented by standard hazard assessment practices.
Sex ratio, morphometric characteristics, age and growth for Pontic shad from Romanian Black Sea Coast were examined. A total of 2.133 individuals were caught between March 2012 and September 2013. Female : male sex ratio was 0.62. According to the age reading, distribution varied form II to V year. The von Bertalanffy equation and growth performance index were determined by ESP software in Pontic shad. The asymptotic length (L∞ = L infinity) of Pontic shad generated by the ELEFAN I method, after introducing total length data for the two years of study, was 41.5. The natural mortality instantaneous coefficient (M) of the entire Pontic shad population, calculated according to Pauly’s empirical equation, using the growth parameters of the Von Bertalanffy formula and the mean annual temperature of the two study years of 13°C, recorded the following values: M = 0.585 in 2012 and M = 0.639 in 2013. According with the resultants, it is recommended to perform a sustainable fishing which allows the capture of legal-sized of fish.
The North-Western Black Sea shelf is extremely vulnerable to disturbances of its habitats and ecosystems. In the past 10 years, this area has become targeted by beam trawl fisheries for the invasive gastropod Rapana venosa (Valenciennes, 1846), with a potentially destructive impact on the area’s soft bottoms. Not many studies have been performed in the region, and most investigations have focused on gear selectivity and by-catch rates. In this context, our novel research aimed, on the one hand, to assess and quantify the actual impact of beam trawling and, on the other hand, to propose effective spatial/temporal management measures for a sustainable zonation of the North-Western Black Sea shelf (marine zone of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve). The methodology used integrated beam trawl catch dynamics information, VMS data, geophysical investigations, and macrozoobenthos sampling. Our findings show that beam trawling activities can cause changes in the benthic habitat structure (lower number of taxa, lower values of ecological indicators, and an overall non-GES status). Further in-depth investigations are needed to underpin the ecosystem-based management of this marine protected area (MPA), aiming to allow the recovery of the affected benthic habitats, by alternating defined areas undergoing fishing with biological recovery polygons.
Mariculture offers enormous potential for providing sustainable food, playing a key role in achieving nutrition security, employment, and Blue Growth. This is particularly true in geographical areas where the dependence of local economies on fishery products is high and yet access to sustainable landings is hindered by environmental drawbacks. One such area is represented by the Black Sea, which offers different degrees of suitability for aquaculture development. While the southern and eastern shores are sheltered enough to allow for the development of large aquaculture activities, the north-western shoreline is characterized by wide environmental fluctuations and the strong influence of the Danube. This study aimed at investigating the suitability of a selected area of the Romanian coast (Mangalia) for finfish cage farming by adapting an internationally endorsed methodology for determining its Degree of Compatibility (DC). The development and expansion of finfish aquaculture depends on the availability of space, so designating Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZAs) is essential. The result obtained (DC = 80) indicates that the Mangalia area is suitable for finfish aquaculture activities: there is no major interference with other uses of the maritime space, no conflicts with nature conservation, and the environmental conditions are appropriate for fish culture in floating cages. The novel information provided by this study can be the building block for authorities to settle the governance gap that has so far impeded the development of marine aquaculture in Romania. At a larger scale, this study can serve as a good practice example at the regional Black Sea level.
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) used in aquatic research and production are a viable alternative to traditional open-sea mariculture. The rearing of marine living resources in controlled environments is one of NIMRD’s constant concerns. Golden gray mullet Liza aurata (Risso, 1810) is spread in the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas, as well as along the Atlantic coast, and culture in extensive and semi-intensive enclosures has been practiced worldwide for centuries, especially in the Far East and the Mediterranean, reaching a global production of 134,329 tons in 2010. The species’ potential for aquaculture is enhanced by its eurihalyne and eurithermal adaptability, allowing it to grow in a variety of ecosystems. The biological material used for the experiment was represented by golden gray mullet fingerlings fished using the beach seine from the Black Sea. They were monitored for health state, growth rythm (mean length and weight determinations), behavior under RAS conditions, survival rate and overall adaptability. The growth of juveniles after 90 days was 89.2% for total length and 246% for mean biomass. Concerning overall adaptability, after approximately one month, the golden gray mullet individuals fully adapted to rearing in the RAS tanks and handling during measurements. Moreover, the food administered (Skretting Classic K) was easily accepted, active feeding behavior being observed even in the presence of NIMRD’s staff. The fish’s health state was good, with no mortalities caused by infections or parasites. The survival rate upon completion of the two monitoring months was 76.66% (23 of the 30 individuals included in the experiment). The preliminary results obtained showed a good adaptability and a normal growth rate, which makes Liza aurata a potential candidate for aquaculture targeting the national and regional market.
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