Measures and Gap Analysis on the Impact of NonIndigenous Species on the Black Sea Ecosystem

Abstract

Overseas transportation of non-indigenous species (NIS) and their permanent habitation of secondary regions pose a critical threat that adversely affects the marine environment and marine based economic activities and applications. The transportation of NIS causes a decline in fish industries, spoilage of culture fishing stocks, rising production costs, adverse effects on human health and changes in biological diversity. The most prominent alien species in Turkish Black Sea waters are species invasions which are witnessed in the Black Sea. The Black Sea, which has incurred significant losses in biodiversity due to the increasing eutrophication and various pollution related problems, have surfaced significantly and provided a considerably suitable environment to invasive NIS. In this study, measures and legal gaps are evaluated to reduce and control the entry and spread of NIS into the marine environment.