The Black Sea is a marginal sea between Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Western Asia. It is bounded by Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Here are some key details:
Geography
History and Culture
Environment
- The Black Sea is unique for its anoxic water below about 150 meters, which means it has very low oxygen levels, making it unsuitable for most marine life.
- The upper layer is well-oxygenated due to river inflows and mixing from the surface, supporting rich biodiversity.
- Overfishing, pollution from industrial and agricultural sources, and the introduction of invasive species like the Mnemiopsis jellyfish have impacted the sea's ecosystem.
Economic Importance
- Fishing, tourism, and shipping are significant economic activities around the Black Sea.
- The sea serves as an important transport route for oil and gas, with pipelines like Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline running along its shores.
Political Context
- The Black Sea region has been a focal point for geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Russia, Turkey, and NATO member countries.
- The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 has heightened these tensions, affecting maritime security and navigation rights.
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