For some recent years, the black sea has been facing severe pollution, and the regions surrounding the black sea are suffering from the effects of the pollution. It has been a topic of debate for years, as if we specifically look into the stretch of the water, we can see the affected lands and countries. Even though there have been many actions taken to maintain the ecological balance of the region, the black sea remains the most populated sea in the entire world.
Pollution in the Black Sea
The Black Sea is a Mediterranean Sea (marginal) that lies between Asia and Europe. It is to the east of the Balkans, west of the Caucasus, and to the south of the East European Plains. The area that surrounds the black sea is known as the Black Sea region.
The sea is also known as one of the isolated seas in the world. It is a marginal Mediterranean Sea, which means it is connected to multiple other water bodies, such as the Mediterranean Sea by the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Azov by the Kerch Strait. Also, the Danube River ends up in the black sea in the Danube Delta.
Now, because of its variety of elements in the water bodies and has wide drainage basin, it has limited connectivity with the oceans. This makes the sea vulnerable to the effects of most the human activities.
Humans are exactly why the black sea is so polluted, as we have used excessive resources of the sea without giving anything back. And the excessive usage has led to the degradation in the quality of the water, and thus a disruption in the ecosystem.
How did the Pollution start in the Black Sea?
Many environmentalists have analyzed that the Black Sea is facing both severe chemical and radioactive pollution, along with common waste pollution. All these pollutions in combination have led to the disturbance in the ecosystem of the sea and as well as the region that surrounds it.
It is noticed that since 1960, there has been a constant change in the ecosystem due to an increase in pollution levels. And after the Chernobyl accident that occurred in 1986, the sea is now having radioactive elements. Thus, as of now, the highest priority of concern is radioactive pollution.
There were many accidents in the Black Sea, which resulted in the spillage of oil and other waste. One of the examples of such incidents was on 11th November 2007, where ten vessels sank in the strait because of a bad storm. Tons of heavy and thick oils were spilled, and around seven tons of sulfur were dissolved in the sea.
In the year 1992, a convention was made to protect the black sea against the ongoing pollution in Bucharest. It was officially agreed by all 6 legislative assemblies of the countries that were surrounding the black sea in the year 1994. A commission was made known as the “Commission for Protection of the Black Sea,” whose motto was to oversee the pollution in the Black Sea and also provide a solution to it.
Countries affected due to the Black Sea Pollution
The Bucharest Convention represented a legal framework that aimed to take measures against the severe pollution in the Black Sea. Countries that are surrounding the sea have been constantly in distraught as this sea is one of the major sources for water supply, and also the pollution happening in the water body is affecting the land too. Like farming and agriculture. Countries affected by the black sea pollution are mentioned below:
- Bulgaria
- Romania
- Ukraine
- Turkey
- Georgia
- Russian Federation
The measures that are addressed by the Bucharest Convention are as follows: –
- Reduction in river pollution
- Taking measures for creating regulatory and legal instruments
- It aims to conserve the biological diversity and promote the economic activity of fishing
- Promoting the concept of green tourism and sustainable living
- Doing environmental audits
These measures were built to make sure the land and well as the sea are maintained and the countries do not get severely affected by the pollution.
What actions are taken to reduce the Black Sea Pollution and the current condition?
Many people and environmentalists have made efforts over the last 20 years to protect the black sea, but despite all efforts, it still remains the most polluted sea on earth. This is because of the severe amount of chemicals, sewage, and solid waste which has been disposed of regularly into the sea.
Although it has been noted that nitrogen inputs have reduced in recent years, but still higher than it was in the 1960s. Phosphate levels remain the same. As per the Black Sea Commission, their efforts put into the concern have reduced the amount of discharges from around 50 sources of high pollution. The efforts can be seen as there are now fewer intense algal blooms, a little increase in the fish catching activity, and many organisms are returning to the waters of the Black Sea.
But again, there has been a discussion for exploring the Black Sea for potential oil and gas reserves. If this discussion continues and is implemented, then it would again create a massive danger to the sea. It would severely affect the fauna of the sea and would disrupt the environmental protection pact.
Some basic actions have been taken by the committee, such as reducing plastic waste and improving wastewater management, but if the production and dumping of waste and hazardous material continue, then it would take many years to make the pollution stop.
Simple ways to save the Black Sea as a civilian
- Demand for plastic-free alternatives. You can use jute bags for shopping instead of plastic, and also demand the same from the shopkeepers.
- Reduce the carbon footprint starting from home. Limit the use of electronic items that produce more carbon monoxide.
- Participate in campaigns related to the protection of the water bodies
- You can also contact the authorities if you see that someone is responsible for the pollution. Like someone is dumping waste, etc.
- Teach your kids about saving the environment and the water bodies
| Homepage | blacksea-commission.org |
