This Pilot Site is one of the seven selected as Case Studies in the BRIDGE-BS Project. The site connects Western Shelf to the Western Basin, and focuses on fish migration routes with moderate outflow from rivers. The site is bound by coastal lakes-bays systems (Varna, Mandra). Upwelling (Kaliakra gyre) and rim current dynamics are the dominant features structing the habitats. The cities of Varna and Burgas are also part of the site. Key ecosystem services include food provisioning a nd habitat maintenance, with cultural services (heritage) also gaining importance. There are some preserved vulnerable habitats (mussel reefs, macroalgae and seagrass meadows) that are threatened by coastal pollution, invasive species (Rapana) and climate change. Other key multistressors include point, diffusive and atmospheric source of eutrophication/ pollution impacts and invasive species. The fisheries are the most important ones in EU Black Sea waters but most fish stocks are overfished. Aquaculture is emerging but limited to black mussel culture. Fisheries will be the main focus sector.

• BRIDGE-BS Project

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