SHELLFISH – Integrated Biodiversity Monitoring in the Black Sea

SHELLFISH is an innovative project dedicated to the development of an integrated biodiversity monitoring system for the Bulgarian Black Sea waters, with a primary focus on the status and population dynamics of commercially important shellfish species. The project supports the sustainable management of marine resources through the collection, analysis, and visualization of scientific data, providing a reliable basis for informed environmental and management decisions.

The project combines field surveys, laboratory analyses, remote sensing data, and advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to deliver a comprehensive assessment of the marine ecosystem. This integrated approach enables continuous monitoring of habitats, biodiversity assessment, population analysis of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and wedge clams (Chamelea gallina and Donax trunculus), as well as the evaluation of the impact of non-native species on the Black Sea ecosystem.

The collected information is processed using advanced analytical methods and transformed into specialized databases, georeferenced maps, and monitoring models that support the assessment of the ecological status of the Black Sea. The project provides science-based tools for tracking population changes, identifying priority monitoring areas, and planning the sustainable management of marine biological resources.

By integrating innovative technologies, spatial analysis, and environmental monitoring, SHELLFISH contributes to the conservation of marine biodiversity, the sustainable development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, and the implementation of European policies for marine environmental protection. The project establishes the foundation for a modern long-term monitoring system and science-based management of the valuable marine resources of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.