Evaluation of Donax trunculus and Chamelea gallina shellfishes as an important bioindicator and resource in the Black Sea ecosystem.

This project aims to improve knowledge about the marine environment by examining two species of white sand mussels - Donax trunculus and Chamelea gallina. There are significant gaps in knowledge about these two species, as well as the status and size of their populations in the Black Sea Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This project will contribute to improving knowledge about these mussel species by developing two separate habitat mapping methodologies for each target species - Donax trunculus and Chamelea gallina, as well as field forms as an integral part of the methodology. The project will also develop methodologies for assessing the conservation status of both mussels and monitoring methods for them. An important point will be the study of the status of the white sand mussel populations of the target species in the Emine-Irakli PA, in which area these species are subject to conservation and mapping. The quality of the protection provided to them by the NATURA 2000 network will be assessed at the moment, which will allow to make an informed assessment of the possible need for the formation of additional marine protected areas to preserve them in the target area. In addition, the main pollutants in populations of white sand mussels of Donax trunculus and Chamelea gallina in ecosystem level model areas of the Bulgarian Black Sea will be investigated by conducting systematic analyzes of samples from both biotic and abiotic factors . In addition to the project research, it is envisaged to identify and offer to the interested parties through an electronic manual potential non-traditional for Bulgaria and innovative technologies for the production of marine aquaculture - white sand mussels.

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