A significant shift in fish populations is occurring in Bulgarian Black Sea waters, with traditional migratory species like horse mackerel and bonito being largely absent this season. Officials from the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture attribute this change to a combination of a warming climate and military activities.
The ecosystem is undergoing a transformation described by experts as a Mediterraneanization. Fishermen like Captain Nikolay Vangelov of Nessebar report catching non-native species such as sea bream, devil fish, and blue crabs, which they often return to the water. Dr. Nikolay Georgiev, the agency's executive director, confirmed the arrival of new marine life, including Korean rockfish and crow fish.
This displacement of traditional fish has driven up market prices for remaining local species. While new varieties like medjit are more available, customers have noted a much smaller selection of familiar Black Sea fish. Experts anticipate that the variety of Mediterranean species will continue to grow.
The ecosystem is undergoing a transformation described by experts as a Mediterraneanization. Fishermen like Captain Nikolay Vangelov of Nessebar report catching non-native species such as sea bream, devil fish, and blue crabs, which they often return to the water. Dr. Nikolay Georgiev, the agency's executive director, confirmed the arrival of new marine life, including Korean rockfish and crow fish.
This displacement of traditional fish has driven up market prices for remaining local species. While new varieties like medjit are more available, customers have noted a much smaller selection of familiar Black Sea fish. Experts anticipate that the variety of Mediterranean species will continue to grow.
