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Journals / Marine Science and Technology Bulletin / 2026 / Volume: 14 Issue: 3

Assessment of the ecological status of phytobenthos along the Black Sea coast of Georgia based on national environmental agency data for 2021 and 2023

Givi Gavardashvili(Georgian Technical University, Tsotne Mirtskhulava Water Management Institute, Tbilisi, Georgia)0000-0001-5289-3830
Konstantine Bziava(Georgian Technical University, Tsotne Mirtskhulava Water Management Institute, Tbilisi, Georgia)0000-0003-1237-5224
Adem Yavuz Sönmez(Kastamonu University, İnebolu Vocational School, Department of Transportation Services, Kastamonu, Türkiye)0000-0002-7043-1987
Tamriko Supatashvili(Georgian Technical University, Tsotne Mirtskhulava Water Management Institute, Tbilisi, Georgia)0000-0001-5785-2755
Sopio Modebadze(Georgian Technical University, Tsotne Mirtskhulava Water Management Institute, Tbilisi, Georgia)0009-0003-5508-2867
Pages
—
Publication Date
2025-09-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

This research contributes to harmonized regional monitoring approaches and provides a scientific basis for sustainable management of Georgian Black Sea coastal ecosystems.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study evaluates the ecological status of phytobenthic (benthic algal) communities along the Georgian Black Sea coast using monitoring data collected in 2021 and 2023 by the National Environmental Agency of Georgia.
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Key Findings & Data:Phytobenthic communities were assessed using standard bioindicator indices that integrate species richness, community structure, and the proportion of pollution-tolerant versus sensitive taxa.
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Conclusion & Impact:This research contributes to harmonized regional monitoring approaches and provides a scientific basis for sustainable management of Georgian Black Sea coastal ecosystems.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:2021 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Phytobenthos · Black Sea · Ecological gradients

Abstract

This study evaluates the ecological status of phytobenthic (benthic algal) communities along the Georgian Black Sea coast using monitoring data collected in 2021 and 2023 by the National Environmental Agency of Georgia. Monitoring encompassed multiple coastal sites representing a gradient from relatively undisturbed natural areas to urbanized and port-affected zones. Phytobenthic communities were assessed using standard bioindicator indices that integrate species richness, community structure, and the proportion of pollution-tolerant versus sensitive taxa. Results revealed clear spatial patterns: natural sites maintained high species richness and structural complexity, whereas urban and port-impacted areas exhibited reduced biodiversity, simplified community composition, and dominance of tolerant green algae. The decline of sensitive red and brown algae in impacted zones indicates localized eutrophication processes. Phytobenthos proved effective as bioindicators, reflecting both short-term pressures and longer-term ecological trends. These findings highlight the importance of conserving high biodiversity refugia, controlling nutrient inputs, and implementing management strategies to mitigate anthropogenic pressures. This research contributes to harmonized regional monitoring approaches and provides a scientific basis for sustainable management of Georgian Black Sea coastal ecosystems.

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Cite This Article

Gavardashvili, G., Bziava, K., Sönmez, A. Y., Supatashvili, T., Modebadze, S. (2025). Assessment of the ecological status of phytobenthos along the Black Sea coast of Georgia based on national environmental agency data for 2021 and 2023. Marine Science and Technology Bulletin, Volume: 14 Issue: 3. https://doi.org/10.33714/masteb.1782629

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