Russia has been waging war against Ukraine for more than nine years, of which almost 18 months have been a full-scale invasion. The war is having a significant impact on the environment, particularly on the Black and Azov Seas. The blockade of ports and the seizure of territorial waters have made them almost inaccessible not only to fishermen and tourists but also to scientists who have spent decades studying changes in marine ecosystems. However, despite the current inability to take samples from the sea, the available data and facts allow us to understand the impact that military activities and occupation are having on the marine environment. This article provides an overview of what we currently know about the impact of the Russian war against Ukraine on the Black and Azov Seas.

The start of the war. 2014 and the occupation

The Black and Azov Seas have several unique characteristics, particularly low salinity and isolation, which make them rich in biodiversity and rare habitats.

Throughout the 20th century, both seas faced problems caused by the strong impact of human activity: overfishing, pollution from ports and rivers, and invasive species. The situation has been exacerbated by the increasingly strong impact of climate change, which has led to the extinction of some species and changes in local ecosystems.

https://uwecworkgroup.info/impact-of-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-on-the-black-and-azov-seas/