Seagrass meadows in Pontic lower infralittoral sands

Seagrass beds are found on sandy and sandy-muddy bottoms in sheltered habitats with sufficient lighting. Maximum development is in the summer. The habitat occurs all around the Black Sea as small and fragmented meadows. Its distribution is well documented in Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria, while for Turkey it is mostly unknown. Off the coast of Georgia sparse eelgrass meadows are known to occur at Cape Souk-Sou (after Cystoseira communities at a depth of 6-10 m), in the Gulf of Skurge at a depth of 4-6 m. This habitat contains communities in both the upper and lower infralittoral sands with different dominant eelgrass species:

The habitat occurs in the deeper infralittoral zone, most typically where the sediment is silty sand and in the 10 m depth range. The meadows are found in sea water with salinity varying between 11 and 19 psu. Six species of seagrass may be present in this habitat but Zostera marina is generally dominant. There are also algae living on the eelgrass blades, mostly red algae. Species diversity develops two peaks, one in spring and the other in autumn. Seasonal dynamics of the biomass and density are less pronounced due to the depth. The communities of Z. marina display greatest diversity in the Kerch Strait with its special hydrological and hydrochemical conditions.

Indicators of quality:

Leaf length, biomass, shoot density have all been identified has indicators of quality. However, thresholds have not been set and these can and will vary between countries.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats