Papers by Valentina Todorova
23rd SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Proceedings 2023, Water Resources. Forest, Marine and Ocean Ecosystems, Vol 23, Issue 3.1
The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is a framework for collective action in the marine... more The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is a framework for collective action in the marine environmental policy established by Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on 17 June 2008. It calls for EU Member States to create national marine strategies to achieve good environmental status (GES) by 2020 or to maintain it in areas where it already exists. Five factors are laid out in Commission Decision (EU) 2017/848 for GES assessment in regard to a number of broad habitat types, as two of them were assessed in the article. Criterion D6C1 represents the spatial extent and distribution of physical loss of the natural seabed. Criterion D6C4 estimates the extent of loss of the habitat types resulting from anthropogenic pressures that should not exceed a specified proportion of the natural extent of the habitat types in the assessment areas. These criteria were evaluated for five coastal Marine Reporting Units (MRU) distributed in the Bulgarian sector of the ...
alignment of the 175 cytochrome b sequences of Scorpaena porcus used in the analyse
Molecular Ecology, 2016
Understanding the distribution of genetic diversity in the light of past demographic events linke... more Understanding the distribution of genetic diversity in the light of past demographic events linked with climatic shifts will help to forecast evolutionary trajectories of ecosystems within the current context of climate change. In this study, mitochondrial sequences and microsatellite loci were analysed using traditional population genetic approaches together with Bayesian dating and the more recent approximate Bayesian computation scenario testing. The genetic structure and demographic history of a commercial fish, the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus, was investigated throughout the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The results suggest that the species recently underwent population expansions, in both seas, likely concomitant with the warming period following the Last Glacial Maximum, 20 000 years ago. A weak contemporaneous genetic differentiation was identified between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. However, the genetic diversity was similar for populations of the two seas, suggesting a high number of colonizers entered the Black Sea during the interglacial period and/or the presence of a refugial population in the Black Sea during the glacial period. Finally, within seas, an east/west genetic differentiation in the Adriatic seems to prevail, whereas the Black Sea does not show any structured spatial genetic pattern of its population. Overall, these results suggest that the Black Sea is not that isolated from the Mediterranean, and both seas revealed similar evolutionary patterns related to climate change and changes in sea level.
Ecology and Society, 2015
226661 Project acronym: MESMA Project title: Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas... more 226661 Project acronym: MESMA Project title: Monitoring and Evaluation of Spatially Managed Areas Funding Scheme: Collaborative project Project coordination: IMARES, IJmuiden, the Netherlands Project website: www.mesma.org Deliverable 3.6 Zoning plan of case studies: Evaluation of spatial management options for the case studies Annex 9 Second Framework Run The Strait of Sicily Due date of deliverable D3.6: month 35 Actual submission date: month 35
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2019
Connectivity between populations shapes the genetic structure of species being crucial for an eff... more Connectivity between populations shapes the genetic structure of species being crucial for an effective management of environmental resources. Genetic approaches can provide indirect measures of connectivity, allowing the identification of genetically differentiated-unconnected-populations. In this study, we applied a 2b-RAD approach based on hundreds of polymorphic loci to provide the first detailed insight into the population genomics of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis in part of its native geographical range. We sampled 19 localities within the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and analyzed a total of 478 samples. We detected strong differences between the two seas, whereas no differences were found between samples from the Western and Central Mediterranean and within Western Mediterranean samples. In the Central Mediterranean a significant differentiation emerged comparing Central Adriatic samples with those from South Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Furthermore, an East-to-West genetic structuring was found in the Central Adriatic Sea, which was not present in the Southern Adriatic and Ionian Seas. These results possibly reflect the local oceanography, with a Middle Adriatic gyre unable to prevent genetic differentiation in this species, and a Southern Adriatic gyre that effectively mixes propagules in Southern areas. In the Black Sea, no signal of genetic structure was found, although samples were spaced at similar distances as in the Adriatic-Ionian area. Genetic connectivity patterns of M. galloprovincialis reveal peculiar species-specific features respect to other species with similar larval duration, suggesting caution in using genetic connectivity data of single
SGEM International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference EXPO Proceedings
Multiple human uses of Europe's four regional seas (Baltic, Black, Mediterranean and North Sea/No... more Multiple human uses of Europe's four regional seas (Baltic, Black, Mediterranean and North Sea/North East Atlantic) have caused severe environmental degradation of these resources. Changing global patterns in human activities and resource use are resulting in increasing levels of environmental pressures on these seas. Measures to manage the marine environment within the European context have traditionally taken a sectoral approach, which has not provided adequate protection. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the environmental pillar of the European Integrated Maritime Policy, mandates the implementation of an Ecosystem Approach (EA), which may be defined as a resource planning and management approach that integrates the connections between land, air and water and all living things, including people, their activities and institutions.
EUSeaMap 2019 is the third iteration of EUSeaMap. All versions have been produced as part of the ... more EUSeaMap 2019 is the third iteration of EUSeaMap. All versions have been produced as part of the EMODnet Seabed Habitats project, which is one of several thematic lots in EMODnet. The project has brought together a European consortium of specialists in benthic ecology and seabed habitat mapping. The partners first collaborated in EMODnet phase 1 (2009-2012) to deliver a prototype predictive seabed habitat map in four trial basins (Greater North Sea, Celtic Seas, Baltic, Western Mediterranean). This predictive model was named EUSeaMap (Cameron and Askew, 2011). In EMODnet Phase 2 (2012-2016), the consortium extended EUSeaMap coverage to all European regions (Populus et al, 2017). In the new version, the spatial coverage was extended further North in order to include the Barents Sea. The spatial detail was substantially improved. This was made possible by improvements to the physical predictor variables created by the other EMODnet lots which are the input data to the EUSeaMap model. ...
In order to most benefit from the potential offered by the European marine basins in terms of gro... more In order to most benefit from the potential offered by the European marine basins in terms of growth and employment (Blue Growth), and to protect the marine environment, we need to know more about the seafloor. European Directives, such as the MSFD, but also the Horizon 2020 roadmap explicitly called for a multi-resolution full coverage of all European seas including bathymetry, geology and habitats. The present work, following on a suite of past initiatives, has made a big step forward in this direction. It has first boosted the collation of existing maps from surveys by setting up a framework and a procedure to encourage people to submit their maps and data. This resulted in a more attractive EMODnet seabed habitat portal and a snowball effect with more and more people willing to join. However, collation will eventually come to an end and as new creations of seabed habitat maps are so complex and time-consuming, a cost-efficient way to meet the need for a full-coverage habitat map...
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2018
In this study, we mapped and quantified the distribution and abundance of macroalgal communities ... more In this study, we mapped and quantified the distribution and abundance of macroalgal communities in an MPA along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast , with particular focus on the previously unstudied P. crispa lower-infralittoral communities on Ostrea edulis biogenic reefs. Data from high resolution geophysical substrate mapping was combined with benthic community observations from georeferenced benthic photo surveys and sampling. Multivariate analysis identified four distinct assemblages of lower-infralittoral macroalgal communities at depths between 10 and 17 m, dominated by P. crispa, Apoglossum ruscifoluim, Zanardinia typus and Gelidium spp. Maxent analysis showed distinct preferences of the identified communities to areas with specific ranges of depth, inclination and curvature, with P. crispa more frequently occurring on vertical oyster biogenic reef structures. By combining production rates from literature, biomass measurements and the produced habitat maps, we found that the highest proportion of primary production and DOC release was provided by the upper infralittoral Cystoseira barbata and Cystoseira bosphorica, followed by the production of the lower-infralittoral macroalgae. We related the observed distribution of P. crispa within the studied MPA to the network of Natura 2000 maritime MPAs along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, and discussed whether the connectivity of the populations of the species within the established network is sufficient within this cell of ecosystem functioning.
The aim of this study is to produce benthic habitats maps in the Natura 2000 SAC Ropotamo, the Bu... more The aim of this study is to produce benthic habitats maps in the Natura 2000 SAC Ropotamo, the Bulgarian Black Sea, by integrating acoustic, geological and biological data. The focus is on the soft-sediment physical habitats and biotopes (the environment and the associated biological communities). Bathymetry and backscatter data were collected using multi-beam sonar system SeaBat 7111. Digital terrain models were produced with a resolution of 3 m and 2 m in the open sea and the coastal area respectively and isobaths at 1 m depth interval were drawn. Data of the sonar function of the multi-beam sonar system was processed to generate sonar mosaic of the area. Areas with similar backscatter characteristics were defined in ArcGIS to delineate distinct acoustic facies that presumably represent different lithological types of seabed sediments. The acoustic facies were validated by sediment samples analysed for particle size and invertebrate macrofauna. Fourteen sediment classes (Folk 16) ...
The diversity and structure of the fish communities in the Bulgarian Black Sea shelf area were ex... more The diversity and structure of the fish communities in the Bulgarian Black Sea shelf area were examined in spring, summer and autumn seasons during the period 2010 – 2012. We analyzed data from 146 demersal trawl hauls collected during four research surveys. Temporal patterns in structure of fish agglomerations were assessed using a combination of diversity measures (species richness, Shannon diversity and evenness) and multivariate analyses. In total, 35 fish species were identified, distributed among 23 families. The diversity and evenness indices were the highest in summer and autumn seasons and decreased in spring. Three main assemblages along the Bulgarian coast were recognized by cluster analysis and multidimentional scaling. Our study provides the first description of current diversity pattern in the Bulgarian Black Sea shelf area and baseline for future monitoring of the fish diversity and community structure.
Specimens of Say’s mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi, including ovigerous females, were identified in the... more Specimens of Say’s mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi, including ovigerous females, were identified in the estuarine part of Constant¸a Harbour during early September 2009. Native to the Atlantic coast of North America, until now D. sayi was introduced in Britain and in the northern Adriatic, where it became abundant and is spreading. The considered vector to the Black Sea is via shipping from the northern Adriatic (Ravenna). The crab already has a well-established population in the Romanian Black Sea and it might spread to the whole of the Black and Azov Seas and the adjacent estuaries, deltas and limans.
Mediterranean Marine Science, 2012
The goal of ecosystem-based marine spatial management is to maintain marine ecosystems in a healt... more The goal of ecosystem-based marine spatial management is to maintain marine ecosystems in a healthy, productive and resilient condition; hence, they can sustainably provide the needed goods and services for human welfare. However, the increasing pressures upon the marine realm threaten marine ecosystems, especially seabed biotopes, and thus a well-planned approach of managing use of marine space is essential to achieve sustainability. The relative value of seabed biotopes, evaluated on the basis of goods and services, is an important starting point for the spatial management of marine areas. Herein, 56 types of European seabed biotopes and their related goods, services, sensitivity issues, and conservation status were compiled, the latter referring to management and protection tools which currently apply for these biotopes at European or international level. Fishing activities, especially by benthic trawls, and marine pollution are the main threats to European seabed biotopes. Incre...
Mediterranean Marine Science, 2011
The present work reports on recent biodiversity records of Mediterranean native species such as O... more The present work reports on recent biodiversity records of Mediterranean native species such as Olindias phosphorica in the Turkish Aegean Sea and extended distribution of eleven alien species in the Mediterranean.
Ecological Modelling, 2009
This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the a... more This article appeared in a journal published by Elsevier. The attached copy is furnished to the author for internal non-commercial research and education use, including for instruction at the authors institution and sharing with colleagues. Other uses, including reproduction and distribution, or selling or licensing copies, or posting to personal, institutional or third party websites are prohibited. In most cases authors are permitted to post their version of the article (e.g. in Word or Tex form) to their personal website or institutional repository. Authors requiring further information regarding Elsevier's archiving and manuscript policies are encouraged to visit: http://www.elsevier.com/copyright Author's personal copy e c o l o g i c a l m o d e l l i n g 2 2 0 (2 0 0 9) 2927-2939
Aquatic Invasions, 2010
The Japanese shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus is recorded for the first time from a Black Sea lo... more The Japanese shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus is recorded for the first time from a Black Sea locality: Tomis Marina in Constanţa, Romania. The suggested vector of introduction is as adults in the hull fouling of yachts. The species has not established and salinity requirements for larval development make it unlikely that it will ever establish in the Black Sea.
ABSTRACT Although alien species are monitored through a number of databases across Europe [NOBANI... more ABSTRACT Although alien species are monitored through a number of databases across Europe [NOBANIS, HCMR, NEMO] and projects (e.g. ALARM, BSEPR, DAISIE, IMPASSE), a true pan-European picture of MAS is difficult to ascertain due to the lack of harmonization and integration in such initiatives. The current work is the collective effort of the key scientists contributing or managing the European databases critically revising and normalizing the disparities observed. It aims to provide the most integrated, validated and updated (2009) status of the MAS across all European LMEs within the framework of the European Environment Agency (EEA) for the forthcoming SEBI2010 Report. The number of MAS recorded in European marine and brackish waters is estimated at 1394 by May 2009; 113 in the Baltic Sea, 375 in the Atlantic (Iberian Shelf=128, Celtic-Biscay=225; North Sea=200), 931 in the Mediterranean, and 175 in the Black Sea. In these figures we have included established, casual and cryptogenic accounts but excluded extinct records.
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Papers by Valentina Todorova