Romanian Coast Research Articles

BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND EXPLOITATION POSSIBILITIES OF Gongolaria Barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze 1891 FROM THE ROMANIAN BLACK SEA COAST

Black Sea macroalgae are a marine resource with many benefits. Gongolaria barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze 1891 (formerly known as Cystoseira barbata (Stackhouse) C. Agardh, 1820) is a brown macroalga with an essential role in biodiversity and in the marine ecosystem functioning, considered an ecologically valuable species at the Romanian Black Sea coast. Samples were collected during 2002 and 2023 years (August-September) from 6 stations of the Romanian Black Sea coast in order to characterize biochemically and highlight the presence of some biologically active compounds with therapeutic, pharmaceutical and cosmetic interest. Biochemical composition (dry matter, moisture, ash, organic matter, crude proteins, crude lipids, carbohydrates, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids) and dietary fiber (CF, ADF, NDF, NDF, NDS, ADL) were evaluated in this study. The obtained results indicate some differences between the two years and these are influenced by the environmental conditions and physiological state of macroalgae. Although present on the Romanian coast, Gongolaria barbata has not been intensively studied in terms of its valorization potential, but it has recently attracted attention due to its biochemical properties that lead to some possibilities of use for economic purposes. The existence of valuable biochemical compounds in the composition of this brown macroalga qualifies it in the marine resources category of interest with biotechnological applications.

Long term succession of engineering species Gongolaria barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze (Fucales: Ochrophyta) along the Romanian Black Sea coast

Background and purpose: Cystoseira sensu lato are of great interest due to their primary role in maintaining high biodiversity and the functioning of rocky habitats, and as provider of crucial ecosystem services. Conspicuous historical declines have been reported in many regions, Romanian Black Sea coast included. Gongolaria barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze (Fucales: Ochrophyta) is the only remaining representative of Cystoseira s. l. along the Romanian coast and currently the most important habitat-forming species, with extended to patchy canopies in the southern rocky coasts. To better understand the status of such ecological important species, we analyse and compare the succession of Gongolaria infralittoral populations during reference (60s), decline (70s) and more recent period (2009 – 2022), based on an extensive literature review (historical quantitative data) and recent information from annual monitoring program. Material and methods: Quadrats (20 × 20 cm) were used for sampling both in the past and present, with a total number of 144 samples collected between 2009 – 2022. Both historical and recent data were statistically analysed using non – parametric tests due to the absence in normality and homogeneity of data sets. Results: Following sea ice from 1972 and violent storms as the main drivers of local Gongolaria decline, out of the thirteen known development areas from the reference period, nowadays only five are left. However, recent wet biomass and density values are appropriate to those of the reference period (1962 – 1971) and much higher compared to the maximum decline period (1972 – 1979). Conclusions: G. barbata has been in a fragile balance along the Romanian coast in the last decade, highly sensitive in front of increasingly anthropogenic activities.

From Isolated Valves to a Potential Marine Living Resource: History, Documented Distribution and Sustainable Population Enhancement Possibilities of the Smooth Scallop (Flexopecten glaber) on the Romanian Coast

Until recently, the smooth scallop Flexopecten glaber (Linnaeus, 1758) was considered absent from Romanian Black Sea waters, as only isolated valves were documented on beaches of the southern coast. Yet, in 2020, the first living specimens were collected by dredging at 25 m depth in Mangalia. Moreover, in the past three years, a considerable number of live individuals were also retrieved from beam-trawling operations targeting the gastropod Rapana venosa (Valenciennes, 1846) along the Romanian coast, indicating that there is a stable population here. This remarkable expansion of F. glaber in Romanian waters may be explained as a consequence of the Black Sea’s recovery from eutrophication, reduced predatory pressure from the declining population of R. venosa and changing climate conditions. Our research aimed at using all this novel information to document for the first time the occurrence and distribution of this bivalve on the Romanian coast, also considering perspectives for the development of a new type of shellfish mariculture, avoiding any pressure on the natural stock. In total, 386 F. glaber individuals were sampled during 2020–2023, at depths between 22.5 and 33.3 m. The abundance and biomass per station oscillated between 5 and 319 specimens and 51.5 and 7377 g, respectively. A subsample of 122 specimens was preserved and analyzed in the laboratory, revealing an average shell length of 53.54 mm (±4.13 SD) and an average shell height of 49.54 mm (±3.64 SD). The smooth scallop has both ecological and economic value, which makes it a viable candidate for sustainable aquaculture by collecting spat from the most abundant areas and subsequently placing “seedlings” in the appropriate polygons for stock recovery. Ultimately, commercial exploitation from aquaculture installations can be considered, provided a permanent healthy F. glaber population is established on the Romanian coast.

Status of the Rapa Whelk Agglomerations Along the Romanian Black Sea Coast

The Black Sea Rapa whelk (Rapana venosa, Valenciennes 1846) is, on one hand, a non-indigenous species harming Black Sea benthic ecosystem and on the other hand, since its ever-epanding stock found market in the Far East, one of the most profitable in the basin. For this purpose, the Working Group on the Black Sea (WGBS) under General Fisheries Commission for Mediterranean and Black Sea (GFCM) agreed on the fact that, despite the invasive nature of the species, its stock in the Black Sea should be eploited within biologically safe limits. In order to cover the area of study in high percentage, a number of 51 stations were proposed for Romanian coast, that were distributed evenly. The duration of one haul was 30 minutes and the hauls were performed at a constant depth and rectilinear in a big percentage, but to avoid tangles and gear destruction, some deviations have been made. Age composition in 2020 was formed by 3 to 12 years generations, the percentages were recorded for 6- and 7-years classes. Regarding 2021 data, the age composition was composed by 3 to 11 years, with the numbers recorded for 5- and 6-years classes. Highest abundance and biomass values for rapa whelk in 2020 have been recorded in the north part of the Romanian coast in the sectors Zaton, Sahalin, Sf. Gheorghe and Mila 9. For 2021, data no significant changes were observed.

Diversity and dynamics of tintinnids communities from Romanian Black Sea, in 2021

Tintinnids are tiny ciliates from microzooplankton that are very important due to their implication in the microbial food web and for the fact that in the last two decades a considerable number of non-indigenous species have entered and acclimatized in the Black Sea basin. The paper presents the species diversity and dynamic of microzooplanktonic tintinnids’ abundance as a result of two cruises carried out in May-June and August-September 2021, along the Romanian Black Sea coast. We identified 23 tintinnid species in total, with a higher diversity in the surface layer compared to those of depth. The species Eutintinnus sp. and Salpingella decurtata were found eclusively in the 10 m layer. Tintinnopsis cylindrica represented 74% of the mean biomass of tintinnid’s community from May-June, the best quantitative representation recorded in the Romanian coast's northern sector. Amphorellopsis acuta represented 91% of the mean biomass of tintinnid’s community in August-September. The biotic component was also correlated with temperature and salinity to give more information regarding spatial and temporal variations from one area to the other. The findings contribute to the knowledge of microzooplankton communities in the Romanian Black Sea region. The data on species composition, abundance distribution, and environmental correlations enhance our understanding of the ecological dynamics and potential ecological implications of tintinnid communities. This study brings valuable information to the understanding of the microzooplankton component in the Black Sea ecosystem.

The Variability of the Beach Morphology and the Evolution of the Shoreline in the Strongly Anthropized Sector of Eforie North, the Romanian Coast of the Black Sea

The Eforie Nord sector (between the southern pier of Agigea - Constanta port and the tourist port of Belona), is characterized, from a geomorphological point of view by the presence of high cliffs and narrow beaches. In the mentioned sector, a series of coastal protection works were carried out in several stages, respectively: between 1956 and 1960, 6 groins were placed to etend the perimeter beach; with the epansion of Constanța port, new coastal protection measures were imposed (1981-1986), determined by the erosion processes, made concrete by the eecution of permeable submerged longitudinal dikes in addition to the transversal ones. On long term, the measurements of shore morphological parameters highlighted that the southern sector of the Romanian Black Sea coast is subject to an erosion process, due to the action of both natural and anthropogenic factors, each generating effects with different intensity, depending on local conditions. Within the project “Protection and Rehabilitation of the Southern Part of the Romanian Black Sea Coast, Phase 1” in 2014-2015 period, in the mentioned sector, etended hydrographical works were carried out, including the rehabilitation of dikes, the construction of submerged dikes and beach nourishment. The monitoring of the shore behavior at regular intervals (annual/seasonal) which is essential for an adequate management of the coastal area, highlights both cyclical/seasonal morphological changes (rapid erosion as a result of storms in the cold season and the reconstruction of the beach during summer) and progressive/multiannual changes. The monitoring of morpho dynamic changes at shore level includes the positioning of the shoreline and beach profiles in 6 locations using GPS equipment (geodetic and GIS class). The resulting spatial data were processed and included in the SANDS management system that allows comparative analysis at different time scales. The maps representations were made in the ArcGIS 10.8 system. The data analysis revealed seasonal changes of the shore morphology, both in the longitudinal profile (shoreline) and transversally (beach profiles).

The Sea Cliffs Eposure and Management in 2 Mai – Vama Veche Shore Sector

A major concern for coastal communities is shoreline change. This leads to the progressive loss of beaches. In order to anticipate the development of coastal management plans, it is important to understand the causes of coastal erosion. In the absence of development and consolidation works, the Tourist Area of National Interest, 2 Mai - Vama Veche, is undergoing progressive degradation. Due to the advanced erosion areas, the coastal cliffs are in danger of collapsing more quickly. The delineation of the affected coastal area, as well as the highlighting of methodological criteria, especially at the sea-land interface, assumes the use of the coastline as a key element in the delineation of beach and cliff areas, and the use of the crest of the cliff slope in the delineation of cliff areas. This takes into account the natural variability of geomorphological processes, but also the vulnerability of sectors and subsectors of the southern Romanian coast.

Marine litter and plastic detection on Black Sea beaches by using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Abstract Plastic and marine litter is one of the current growing issues worldwide, affecting the unique Black Sea ecosystem as well. Litter is yearly monitored for assessing ecological status across the Romanian beaches. We tested aerial drone-inspection or UAV method versus visual census for efficiency of litter monitoring on two Black Sea beaches, located in the Danube Delta area. The detection probability varied between size-category of items, with 71 – 100% accuracy of visual screening of drone images. Our pilot study showed the successful combination of the traditional visual census method with the new emerging UAV techniques for marine litter monitoring in the selected areas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the UAV method for fast-screening of not-easily accessible sites at the Romanian coast of the Black Sea.

Characterization of Some Dermato-Cosmetic Preparations with Marine Lipids from Black Sea Wild Stingray.

The traditional knowledge about the therapeutic and nutritional value of fish has been unanimously recognized among the population since ancient times. So, thanks to the therapeutic virtues of these marine animals, it was possible to develop therapies for certain pathologies as well as the use of bioactive compounds as adjunctive therapies incorporated into the treatment regimen of patients. In the present study, stingray liver oil from wild species collected from the Romanian coast of the Black Sea was isolated and analyzed. Fatty acid analysis was performed by gas chromatography. The analysis of the distribution of fatty acids in the composition of stingray liver oil indicates a ratio of 2.83 of omega 3 fatty acids to omega 6, a ratio of 1.33 of polyunsaturated fatty acids to monounsaturated fatty acids, an iodine index of 111.85, and a total percentage of 68.98% of unsaturated fatty acids. Stingray liver oil was used to evaluate the healing action after preparing a fatty ointment. According to the experimental data, a complete regeneration capacity of the wounds was noted in 12 days without visible signs. Four emulgels with stingray liver oil were formulated and analyzed from a rheological and structural point of view in order to select the optimal composition, after which the anti-inflammatory effect on inflammation caused in laboratory rats was studied and an anti-inflammatory effect was found significant (a maximum inhibitory effect of 66.47% on the edemas induced by the 10% kaolin suspension and 65.64% on the edemas induced by the 6% dextran solution).

Taxonomic Structure and Diversity of Benthic Diatoms (Bacillariophyta) in the Northern Shelf of the Black Sea

The key role of benthic diatoms in coastal ecosystems highlights the relevance of studying their biodiversity and developing integrated biodiversity conservation measures. Benthic diatom richness in the northern part of the Black Sea was estimated based on both published data and our own data. The checklist of benthic diatoms includes 1100 species and intraspecific taxa, 953 species, 149 genera, 61 families, 32 orders, and 3 classes of Bacillariophyta. More than 280 species and intraspecific taxa, as well as 8 genera new to the diatom flora of the Black Sea and 7 species new to science, were revealed. An interregional analysis of the diversity of benthic Bacillariophyta along the coasts of Bulgaria, Romania, and Crimea, as well as the northwestern and northeastern parts of the Black Sea shelf, was carried out using the Taxonomic Distinctness Indices (TaxDI). The lowest TaxDI value for Crimea was closest to the average value expected for the Black Sea diatom flora, indicating a large proportion of polyspecies branches in the taxocene structure, which resulted in the maximum species richness (species/genus = 7) and led to a decrease in the vertical evenness of hierarchical tree. On the contrary, the highest TaxDI value was detected off the Romanian coast, which was caused by the significant proportion of mono- and oligospecies branches and minimal species saturation in the taxocene structure (species/genus = 4). We also identified some species with a high taxonomic exclusivity rank. If these species disappear, the entire architectonics of the Black Sea hierarchical tree of Bacillariophyta may be significantly altered. Such region-specific species are given the highest protection priority since they have great importance for gene pool conservation.

An Evaluation of the Wind Energy along the Romanian Black Sea Coast

The present study aims to outline a general overview of the wind energy potential along the Romanian coast of the Black Sea, using the weather data provided by the Maritime Hydrographic Directorate covering a 13-year time interval (2009–2021). The data obtained from seven automatic weather coastal stations distributed along the Romanian perimeter were used to evaluate the wind regime, highlighting the Black Sea’s complex marine environment. The analysis based on the evaluation of the wind parameters per each station registered on the total period revealed that the overall wind characteristics are similar, resulting in no significant variations depending on the station’s location. Moreover, the climatic picture of the Black Sea can be interpreted as two seasons, winter and summer, a conclusion based on the analysis made of the seasonal and monthly variation of the wind aspects. Subsequently, the outcomes obtained in this research imply that the Romanian Black Sea coast has the potential to be a good location for wind energy development due to the strong winds that blow in the region.

Fostering the Development of Western Black Sea Aquaculture: A Scientific Case Study for Finfish Cage Farming Allocated Zone Designation

Mariculture offers enormous potential for providing sustainable food, playing a key role in achieving nutrition security, employment, and Blue Growth. This is particularly true in geographical areas where the dependence of local economies on fishery products is high and yet access to sustainable landings is hindered by environmental drawbacks. One such area is represented by the Black Sea, which offers different degrees of suitability for aquaculture development. While the southern and eastern shores are sheltered enough to allow for the development of large aquaculture activities, the north-western shoreline is characterized by wide environmental fluctuations and the strong influence of the Danube. This study aimed at investigating the suitability of a selected area of the Romanian coast (Mangalia) for finfish cage farming by adapting an internationally endorsed methodology for determining its Degree of Compatibility (DC). The development and expansion of finfish aquaculture depends on the availability of space, so designating Allocated Zones for Aquaculture (AZAs) is essential. The result obtained (DC = 80) indicates that the Mangalia area is suitable for finfish aquaculture activities: there is no major interference with other uses of the maritime space, no conflicts with nature conservation, and the environmental conditions are appropriate for fish culture in floating cages. The novel information provided by this study can be the building block for authorities to settle the governance gap that has so far impeded the development of marine aquaculture in Romania. At a larger scale, this study can serve as a good practice example at the regional Black Sea level.

Assessing the Ecological Status of Gongolaria Barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze (Fucales, Ochrophyta) Habitat Along the Romanian Black Sea Coast- A Source of Multiple Ecosystem Services

"Gongolaria barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze (formerly known as Cystoseira barbata (Stackhouse) C. Agardh, 1820) builds essential habitats for marine biodiversity and ecosystem optimal functioning along the Romanian Black Sea coast. G. barbata forms so-called brown algal forests especially in the southern part of the Romanian Black Sea shore, providing all categories of ecosystem services, at the same time being a source of potentially bioactive metabolites. Over the last decades, Cystoseira sensu lato have suffered a general decline due to anthropogenic pressure and the Romanian Black Sea coast is not an exception. G. barbata is the only remained representative of Cystoseira s. l. from the Romanian coast and currently the most important habitat - forming species, being a suggestive indicator of environmental degradation and loss of habitats. The study aims to present the last fourteen years ecological status assessment of the sensitive habitat Upper-infralittoral rock dominated by G. barbata. Sampling was conducted between 2009 – 2022 (summer seasons) and a total number of 144 samples were collected using the “quadrat method” (20 x 20 cm). Data were statistically analyzed, and the specific Ecological Index (EI) was applied to evaluate the ecological status. The results of this study showed that this vulnerable habitat reached good ecological status during 2009 - 20122, except for 2012 and 2014. Nevertheless, the current distribution of G. barbata habitat is sparse, and the species remains highly sensitive to increasing anthropogenic activities in coastal zones."

Assessing the coastal protection role of seagrass meadows along a barrier beach, southern Romanian coast

The presence of seagrass along the Romanian coast is currently seen as an important component of the marine ecosystem. Moreover, seagrass meadows play an additional wave energy dissipation role that has also to be considered among other ecosystem services. Assessing the impact of a seagrass meadow on the local hydrodynamics is needed to present an integrated protection and adaption plan for discussion with local stakeholders and coastal managers. The impact on wave heights of a possible seagrass meadow, located in front of the barrier beach at the Mangalia marsh on the southern Romanian coast, has been analysed using numerical modelling. Several seagrass configurations have been studied, for low and average wave conditions from various directions. The same waves were used after adding a vegetation mask to the analysed domain, to simulate the presence of a seagrass meadow. The results of the numerical simulations were extracted in several output points, located along three transects crossing the vegetation mask. They show the most significant reduction in the calculated wave energy density during a year of 16.6%, occurring within the seagrass meadow. Our results suggest that, for the southern Romanian coast, seagrass could be introduced in coastal protection plans as an additional measure for wave attenuation.

The Place and Role of Triple Biography Research (Family, Professional and Migration) in the Typology of Tourists in Romania

In this article we intend to discuss the intertwining of sociological and demographic perspectives in tourism on the Romanian coast that are directly translated into tourist demand and services requested by tourists. The family as a social group plays an important role in tourism both from the perspective of the local family in the tourist area and from the perspective of the family as a tourist group. The generation transmits social thinking, changes, habits, which flow directly into the social environment, locally or nationally. The profession is a representative career factor for an original tourism that ensures the maintenance of the traditional status, economic and social area. This includes job security, salary but also a work-life balance. The intergenerational transmission of the professions in the tourist environment is important in maintaining the local customs and habits, a representative feature for an original tourism. Migration is a key factor in tourism due to the need for skilled labor. The instability of economic and social factors has caused professionally qualified people to emigrate to European countries for a better life. On the other hand, the tourist units use the labor force from Africa and Asia, for which a better life is represented by a job in Romania. The connection of this triple biography with the typology of tourists consists in the direct influence they have on the population that forms the tourist area and on the quality of life of the locals and tourists who choose the tourist destination. The hypothesis we start from is that in order to talk about a satisfactory quality of life, there must be a balance between family life, profession and migration, the need to move to another territory determined by economic, social, political or natural factors. We consider the fact that the family represents an important element in the Romanian tourism as a social factor because each family has its own traditions, its own professional environment regardless of whether it is imposed by the generation or represents one's own choice of the family member. Most of the time, the family environment forms the tourist environment in which the culture, traditions, gastronomy, clothing specific to the tourist area are presented, transmitted and lived, these aspects being sought by tourists. Due to the fact that starting from education, individual and group social needs are formed, we can identify different types of tourism implemented in different areas from a demographic, social, cultural, economic point of view.

Valuable Bioactive Compounds Extracted from Ceramium rubrum on the Romanian Seaside with Medical Interest

Abstract Recently in science, seaweeds are widely used because of their relevant compounds and potential origin of antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant activity. Seaweeds are rich in the trace elements and essential minerals that are hard to find in terrestrial plants. Ceramium rubrum is one of the red seaweeds that can be found in the Black Sea on the Romanian coast that has not been enough studied for their bioactive compounds. Identification and quantification of the biomolecules is carried out by specific methods. The compounds that have been found are cumarines, sterols, flavonoic aglicoles, triterpenes and polysaccharides. Is well known that this kind of biomolecules are very important in the pharmaceutical industry. Ozes and poliozes, reducing compounds and catehic tanin we’re also identified from the red algae.

Assessing the Coastal Protection Role of Seagrass Meadows Along a Barrier Beach, Southern Romanian Coast

Assessing the Coastal Protection Role of Seagrass Meadows Along a Barrier Beach, Southern Romanian Coast

Annelid invaders in the Black Sea region: The distribution of Streblospio gynobranchiata and first occurrence of Laonome xeprovala

The present study reports the spread of Streblospio gynobranchiata (Annelida, Spionidae) off Romanian coast and adjacent waters and the first occurrence of Laonome xeprovala (Annelida, Sabellidae) in the Black Sea basin. The spionid is considered among worst invaders in Mediterranean soft bottoms, while the sabellid is a new invader that successfully settled in the Baltic and the Azov Seas and, after a decade since first European report, finally reached the Black Sea (Musura Bay and Sakhalin Lagoon, Danube Delta). Based on 50 samples collected between 2011 and 2020, we provide an overview of the distribution and possible arrival pathways of both species. Their larval ecology and life traits suggest a secondary introduction through shipping. Since first report along the Romanian coast in 2011, S. gynobranchiata, has spread very quickly, reaching very high densities (4945.2 ± 7599.4 ind.m -2 ) at 11–15 m depth in infralittoral sandy-mud habitat of the Danube plume area, while L. xeprovala remains confined to estuarine habitats, reaching its highest abundance (100.8 ind.m -2 ) in Sakhalin Lagoon.

Strategies for Improving Management in Hotels on the Romanian Coast

Strategies for Improving Management in Hotels on the Romanian Coast

Sociological perspectives regarding the effects in tourism in the southern area of the Romanian coast, considering the sociological and economical changes of the area: Olimp Resort

The article is an analysis of the Phoenician tourism concept in the South of the Romanian coast, respectively the parallel generation-gentrification given the changes that have taken place over the years, with different generational, political, and social imprints and last but not least with different economic imprint over time. Thus, the zonal social elements, respectively the inhabitants and investors, participated directly and indirectly in the evolution and involution of the area and that of tourism. Currently, the area enjoys a social, touristic, and economic rise, and the main factor is the influence given by the development and rebirth of zonal tourism as an effect of the Romanian Phoenician tourism concept. The present study highlights the connection between tourism, the gentrification of Olimp Resort, and the imprint of generations in the reconstruction of a current social episteme.