October 31 marks international Black Sea Protection Day

The National Environmental Agency continuously monitors the quality of Black Sea water. This year, the monitoring area was expanded, with research now conducted monthly at 14 sampling locations.

The monitoring program measures hydrobiological and chemical parameters, including concentrations of 13 heavy metals, total petroleum hydrocarbons, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other physicochemical indicators.

The agency also conducts research into key areas of the Black Sea environment, including aquatic ecology and biodiversity.

In addition, the National Environmental Agency carries out annual scientific studies in Georgia’s Black Sea waters to assess fish resources and determine fish stocks.

International Black Sea Day has been observed since 1996, when representatives of the six Black Sea basin countries signed the Strategic Action Plan for the Protection of the Black Sea in Istanbul.