Constanta - Vama Veche coastal sector, Romania

Macroalgae generic abundance in water bodies; Temperature of the water column; Phytoplankton taxonomic abundance in water bodies

Water temperature sensor; discrete water samplers; optical microscopes

In the last decades, eutrophication and other anthropic causes generate a number of functional and structural changes, especially pertaining the benthic biocenoeses, including seaweeds. As such, the quantitative and qualitative decline of the marine macro-algae can be linked with the general ecological disequilibrium manifested by the Black Sea ecosystem. The main objective of the present project proposal consists in the improvement of the scientific research concerning biodiversity characterization of the macroalgae community and associated populations. This objective was defined with a view of evaluating the dispersion of macroalgae key-species on the Romanian shore and of qualitatively and quantitatively assessing the associated fauna and flora. The project is focusing on the in-situ research of the macroalgae and of the associated species (macroepifites, microphytobenthos, phytoplankton, meroplankton, zoobenthos, and benthic fish). A number of laboratory experiments were carried out in order to observe the reactions of certain macroalgae species to variations of different environmental parameters. Moreover, the project will ultimately lead to a set of policy and regulatory measures to improve the status of macroalgae community and of associated fauna and flora. The project results contributed to the improvement of key elements regarding quality of coastal waters management, in terms of characterization/ classification of their ecological status, including their level of eutrophication and to the public awareness rising and information concerning ecological and economical importance of benthic macroalgae.

National Institute for Marine Research and Development "Grigore Antipa"
300 Mamaia Blvd.
Constanta

900581
Romania