DECREASE IN STOCKS OF MUSSELS AND SEA SNAILS IN THE BLACK SEA

There is a decline in the population of mussels and sea snails in the Black Sea, the Institute for Fisheries Resources in the Bulgarian coastal city of Varna said on 31st of October - the International Black Sea day. The study makes an analysis of the environmental situation of the Black Sea and the stocks of the two marine aquacultures.

The reduction of fish stocks, followed by non-fish stocks, is a trend in the whole World Ocean.

Assoc. Prof. Elitsa Petrova, Acting Director of the Institute for Fisheries Resources says that the countries bordering the Black Sea, are trying to take adequate measures for a regulation of the resources with the aim to reduce pollution, which will help to solve the problem.

The occupants in the Black Sea are decreasing according to observations of divers from Varna club "Friends of the Sea" as well.

There is a reduction especially of turbot and other fish that are typical for our area, Darina Ivanova, a member of the club says. But the problem is not so much caused by the actions of the ordinary people on the beaches or at sea, but by the industrial fishing, trawling, she added.

Assoc. Prof. Elitsa Petrova We should seek a balance between economy and ecology in order to satisfy the needs of the public.

In order to protect the resources, the Black Sea should be examined every year, not only during projects. Continuous monitoring is needed in order such measures to be effective.