Baseline Assessment of Black Sea Food Web Integrity Using a Zooplankton-Based Approach Under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive DOI Creative Commons
Elena Bișinicu, George-Emanuel Harcotă

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13(4), P. 713 - 713

Published: April 2, 2025

This study presents the first scientific evaluation of food web integrity in Black Sea under Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 4 (Food Webs), utilizing zooplankton indicators to assess environmental status during warm season (May October) from 2018 2023. The research aims analyze trophic interactions, biodiversity patterns, and ecological stability by examining three key indicators: Shannon–Wiener diversity index, Copepoda biomass, Mnemiopsis leidyi biomass. findings reveal that index failed achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) any four Reporting Units (MRUs), suggesting insufficient community potential imbalances. biomass met GES criteria only marine offshore waters, indicating spatial variability copepod population across Sea. Meanwhile, M. remained within thresholds all MRUs, its levels do not currently threaten web, despite known invasive impact. provides critical baseline data on structure dynamics Sea, offering a scientifically grounded framework for future monitoring management strategies. results emphasize need targeted conservation efforts adaptive approaches enhance health alignment with MSFD objectives.

Language: Английский

Baseline Assessment of Black Sea Food Web Integrity Using a Zooplankton-Based Approach Under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive DOI Creative Commons
Elena Bișinicu, George-Emanuel Harcotă

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13(4), P. 713 - 713

Published: April 2, 2025

This study presents the first scientific evaluation of food web integrity in Black Sea under Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Descriptor 4 (Food Webs), utilizing zooplankton indicators to assess environmental status during warm season (May October) from 2018 2023. The research aims analyze trophic interactions, biodiversity patterns, and ecological stability by examining three key indicators: Shannon–Wiener diversity index, Copepoda biomass, Mnemiopsis leidyi biomass. findings reveal that index failed achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) any four Reporting Units (MRUs), suggesting insufficient community potential imbalances. biomass met GES criteria only marine offshore waters, indicating spatial variability copepod population across Sea. Meanwhile, M. remained within thresholds all MRUs, its levels do not currently threaten web, despite known invasive impact. provides critical baseline data on structure dynamics Sea, offering a scientifically grounded framework for future monitoring management strategies. results emphasize need targeted conservation efforts adaptive approaches enhance health alignment with MSFD objectives.

Language: Английский

Citations

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