🌊 One Sea, Shared Responsibility: Honoring International Black Sea Day
- sulevaivelina
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
On October 31st, we join voices across six countries to celebrate International Black Sea Day — a day that reminds us of the beauty, complexity, and fragility of one of Europe’s most vital marine ecosystems.
This date marks the anniversary of the 1996 Strategic Action Plan for the Protection and Rehabilitation of the Black Sea, signed by Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Russia, Georgia, and Ukraine. It was a landmark moment of regional cooperation, uniting governments, scientists, and civil society in a shared mission: to protect the Black Sea from pollution, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable exploitation.
The Black Sea is more than a body of water — it’s a cradle of biodiversity, a source of livelihood, and a cultural bridge between nations. Yet today, it faces mounting pressures:
Plastic pollution continues to choke marine life.
Overfishing threatens the balance of species.
Climate change alters currents, temperatures, and habitats.
And perhaps most critically, fragmented efforts slow down progress.
That’s why collaboration is not just helpful — it’s essential.
Join the Conversation
To mark Black Sea Day, we’re asking: What do you think is the biggest threat to the Black Sea ecosystem today?
👉 Vote in our LinkedIn poll here
The SturNet Project: Science, Collaboration, and Technology in Action
At the Protection of Biodiversity in Bulgaria Foundation, we are proud to lead the SturNet project, which combines science, cross-border collaboration, and innovative technology to protect one of the Black Sea’s most iconic and endangered species: the sturgeon.
These ancient fish are not only vital to the marine ecosystem, but also deeply rooted in the cultural and economic heritage of the region. Sadly, sturgeon populations have declined dramatically due to overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution.
Through SturNet, we aim to:
Monitor sturgeon populations and migration patterns and their critical habitats;
Share data and expertise across countries and institutions;
Raise awareness and engage communities in conservation efforts.
Protecting sturgeon means protecting the entire Black Sea ecosystem. These fish are indicators of environmental health — when they thrive, so does the sea.
But no single organization or country can do it alone.
That’s why collaboration is at the heart of SturNet. By working together, we can reverse the decline and build a sustainable future for marine life and coastal communities.
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