The Most Blue Sea in the World: Interesting Facts on Black Sea Day
History of the Black Sea Day
Black Sea Day is observed on October 31st every year. The holiday was established in 1996 by the Black Sea Commission to raise awareness about the environmental challenges facing the Black Sea and to promote cooperation between the countries that share its coastline.
Geography of the Black Sea
The Black Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between southeastern Europe and western Asia. It is bounded by Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. The Black Sea is the world's deepest inland sea, with a maximum depth of 2,210 meters (7,254 feet).
Color of the Black Sea
The Black Sea is not actually black. Its name comes from the Turkish word "kara," which means "dark" or "black." This name was given to the sea because of its dark blue color, which is caused by the high concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the water. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that is produced by the decomposition of organic matter in the sea's sediments.
Ecology of the Black Sea
The Black Sea is home to a wide variety of marine life, including fish, dolphins, and whales. However, the sea is also facing a number of environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. These challenges are threatening the health of the Black Sea ecosystem and the livelihoods of the people who depend on it.
Environmental Challenges Facing the Black Sea
The Black Sea is facing a number of environmental challenges, including:
- Pollution: The Black Sea is polluted by a variety of sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage.
- Overfishing: The Black Sea is home to a number of commercially valuable fish species, such as sturgeon, tuna, and anchovy. However, these species are being overfished, which is threatening their populations.
- Climate change: Climate change is causing the Black Sea to warm, which is leading to changes in the sea's ecosystem. These changes are threatening the survival of some of the sea's most vulnerable species.
Conclusion
The Black Sea is a unique and valuable body of water. However, the sea is facing a number of environmental challenges that are threatening its health. It is important to take action to protect the Black Sea and its ecosystem for future generations.