The war and the occupation of the Sea of Azov coast by Russian troops have dealt an irreparable blow to the region's ecology. Scientists warn that unique ecosystems that have existed here for centuries are under threat of complete extinction. Rare bird species are suffering particularly, as their migration routes and nesting grounds have been destroyed by combat operations and military activity.
Closed zone: science without data
Maxim Vysotsyn, Candidate of Biological Sciences and Associate Professor at the Department of Ecology of the Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, explains that it is practically impossible to objectively assess the scale of changes at the moment. The territories of Berdyansk, Kyrylivka, and other coastal cities are completely closed to researchers. "There is almost no information about the situation, no one is conducting research there," the scientist notes.
Before the start of the full-scale invasion, an extensive network of nature conservation objects operated in this region: the Pridniprovska and Azov-Sivash National Nature Parks, as well as the "Meotida" park. Today, all these territories are under the control of the occupiers, and data on the state of biodiversity from there is not available.
Disappearance of rare species
One of the most tragic consequences has been the destruction of habitats for rare birds. In particular, the "Meotida" National Park was home to one of the largest colonies of black-headed gulls in Europe. Even before the start of the full-scale war, Russian military exercises were conducted on Kryva Kosa, which led to the complete disappearance of this colony.
"The Russians do not pay much attention to whether there is anything rare on the occupied territory or not," Maxim Vysotsyn states. "They simply do what they need to do, and this can lead to the disappearance of rare species forever."
Toxic threat: from microbes to birds
In addition to the direct physical destruction of habitats, the Sea of Azov is facing chemical pollution. Oil spills and sunken ships create a long-term threat to the entire food chain. Toxic substances accumulate in the microbiota — microorganisms that form the basis of the sea's ecosystem.
Through food chains, poisons pass to crustaceans, then to fish, and finally to seabirds. This can lead not only to the death of animals but also to the disruption of their reproductive ability, causing a sharp decline in populations.
Sewage and wastewater problems
The lack of environmental control on occupied territories leads to critical failures in the operation of municipal infrastructure. Damage to sewage treatment plants and emergency operation of sewer networks lead to the discharge of untreated sewage, household chemicals, and organic matter into the sea.
The increase in salinity of the Sea of Azov, which was observed even before the war, is now exacerbated by additional pollution factors. The restoration of these ecosystems will require colossal funds and time, but many processes may prove to be irreversible.