Review of Hazards & pressures (Task 3.4)

Through this task, the leading marine and coastal resource scientists of the region will identify potential hazards and pressures on the marine resources arising from either natural variability or anthropogenic activity. This task is also linked to WP5.

Background and Rationale

 Both basins are characterised by their limited marine resource capacity which has its origins in their limited size (especially considering the volume of the Black Sea anoxic layer), the anthropogenic pressures exerted upon them since the beginning of history, and the oligotrophic character of the Mediterranean . Recent history has recorded the collapse of several Black Sea fisheries in the last thirty years as a result not only of overfishing but also of river damming and pollution dumping.

The two basins are extremely sensitive not only to mounting anthropogenic exploitation, but also to natural change. A potential future ecosystem catastrophe comparable to the one that took place 7100 years ago would result in its complete collapse.

Task leader

HCMR staff

Participants