A Blueprint for Restoring Marine Ecosystems
Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences (NASU) is developing a post-war strategy to restore marine ecosystems. The plan involves building artificial reefs and mussel farms to help clean up affected waters. Viktor Demchenko, deputy director of the NASU Institute of Marine Biology and a doctor of biological sciences, stressed that different sections of the sea will require tailored technological approaches.
According to Demchenko, mussels act as natural filters, making them capable of improving the ecological health of water areas.
“Such farms can serve both as biofilters and as a foundation for commercial aquaculture,” Viktor Demchenko stated.However, operating mussel farms comes with risks: shellfish that absorb heavy metals cannot be used in the food industry. Their disposal or repurposing in pharmacology or agriculture becomes a critical challenge in this effort.
Artificial Reefs as Biodiversity Hotspots
A separate line of work focuses on creating artificial reefs that could become hubs of biodiversity. Many countries intentionally sink decommissioned ships to form such reefs. These structures provide habitats for marine life and can also become tourist attractions. Yet Demchenko cautioned,
“At this point, no one can say that the cruiser ‘Moskva’ would make a good reef in the Black Sea.”Before any decisions are made about using sunken objects, they must be inspected for condition, depth, and potential environmental hazards.
The coastlines of Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson regions feature a monotonous seabed terrain, which hinders natural biodiversity formation. Therefore, it is essential that artificial reefs create ‘biodiversity patches’ where organisms can thrive, attracting a wide range of species. At the same time, hazardous materials must be removed from the sea, including:
- oil
- lubricants
- explosives
to prevent potential water contamination.
The war may have had a positive side effect on certain commercial Black Sea species due to a sharp decline in fishing. There are expectations that the population of turbot (Black Sea flounder) will increase, an important factor for ecosystem recovery. On April 13, 2026, it will be four years since the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, the missile cruiser ‘Moskva,’ was struck.
Crafting this marine ecosystem restoration concept is a crucial step toward healing the natural environment after hostilities. It could not only improve ecological conditions but also boost the local economy by opening new avenues for commercial aquaculture. At the same time, implementing such projects demands a cautious approach and thorough assessment of environmental risks, underscoring the vital role of scientific research in this field.
As the National Academy of Sciences focuses on restoring marine ecosystems, it is interesting to note that recent reports indicate an unexpected ecological recovery in the Black Sea due to the ongoing conflict. This phenomenon highlights the resilience of marine life and the potential for natural regeneration, which may complement the planned artificial reefs and mussel farms. For a deeper understanding of these ecological changes, read more about how the war has inadvertently contributed to the Black Sea's recovery here.