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The Black Sea Biodiversity |
Thirty years ago, from the total number of 165 species and
subspecies registered in the Black and Azov Seas, 100 species were found near
the Georgian coast, represented by three major groups: migratory and fluvial
anadromous, brackish and salt-water species. Over the years, observations have
shown that fish diversity has undergone considerable changes. Some of the
species once widely spread in our regions have now completely disappeared;
others--although considerably diminished or even disappearing--experienced less
noticeable changes. On the whole, the diversity of ichthyofauna has greatly
diminished in the last thirty years and fishery stocks have been reduced. As far
as the Black Sea is concerned, attention should be drawn to the considerable
reduction of scad (Carangids), which was not so long ago one of the mainstays of
commercial fishing, along with Azov anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus
maeoticus). Now scad has practically vanished, and others such as asp
(Aspius aspius) are data deficient.
Ichthyofauna diversity data registered near the Georgian Black
Sea coast are based on the trawling sampling and fixed net yields. While
trawling covered the comparatively small region from Batumi to Sokhumi, fixed
nets form the picture in the Batumi region.
Paliastomi Lake
Paliastomi Lake is situated south-east of Poti and the mouth of
the lake located 10km from the Supsa land terminal of the oil pipeline. The
Maltakva canal was cut in 1924 and directly connected Paliastomi lake to the
Black Sea. This led to changes in the hydrobiology of the lake; in particular,
planktonic and benthic organisms (predominantly freshwater forms) decreased in
number. Paliastomi fauna clearly indicate a relationship of lake and the Black
Sea ecosystems. Paliastomi Lake is important as nesting and wintering area for a
large number of birds, a total of 225 bird species have been registered in the
area. However, the density of birds shows large seasonal variation with highest
densities observed during winter and spring.
Paliastomi Lake sustains populations of mammals such as the
European otter (Lutra lutra lutra) which is concentrated in this
area. Otter is, over its life-cycle, directly Data Book of Georgia and is
considered as Critically Endangered here (IUCN Red List 1996: NE).
The present Constitution of Georgia was adopted in 1995,
based on precepts of the Constitution of 1921. Article 37 states:
3. Everyone has the right to live in a healthy environment and
use natural and cultural surroundings. Everyone is obliged to protect the
natural and cultural surroundings.
4. The State guarantees the protection of nature and the
rational use of it to ensure a healthy environment corresponding to the
ecological and economic interests of society, and taking into account the
interests of current and future generations.
5. Individuals have the right to complete, objective and timely
information on the conditions in which they live and work.
Protection of Landscape and Habitat
This law on Protected Area System defines Protected
Areas System to be established in Georgia, as well as the categories of
protected areas, most of which correspond to those of IUCN:
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reserve (IUCN Category IV)
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national park (IUCN Category II)
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natural monument (IUCN Category III)
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strict nature reserve (IUCN Category I)
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protected landscape (IUCN Category V)
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multi-use area (IUCN Category VI)
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Biosphere reserve
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World heritage site
