This study presents a comprehensive assessment of fish biodiversity in the Black Sea, one of the world's most fragile marine ecosystems. Using a holistic approach, the research investigates taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity distributions across the Black Sea Region. Range maps are created for 186 species, representing 116 genera and 63 families. The study highlights the significant contributions of the Marmara Sea and the Azov Sea to the overall diversity of the Black Sea. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive biodiversity assessments across all regions, irrespective of their perceived importance, to underpin strategies for sustainable fisheries and broader marine management. The Angel shark Squatina squatina was identified as the primary at risk species contributing to diversity. Two biodiversity hotspots are noted, both positioned along the continental shelf and characterized by significant overdispersion across various indices. The influence of depth on species distribution and functional diversity is also explored, with depth-related traits explaining considerable variations. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive biodiversity assessments to inform sustainable fisheries and marine management strategies, highlighting the urgency for conservation efforts in the face of climate change and anthropogenic threats. The study also addresses data scarcity challenges in the Black Sea area by providing a comprehensive database, serving as a valuable resource for future research and conservation efforts.
promotor/supervisor feedback
nothing yet
