Economic aspects

The Black Sea is an important year-round transportation artery, linking the eastern European nations with world markets. Odessa, the historic Ukrainian city, together with the nearby port of Ilichyovsk, account for most of the sea's freight turnover. The ports of Novorossiysk and, to a lesser extent, Tuapse (both in Russia) and Batumi (Georgia) farther to the east specialize in petroleum.In Bulgaria, Varna and Burgas are the main ports. ConstanŸa, in Romania, connects oil-bearing regions with foreign markets.Istanbul on the Sea of Marmara is Turkey's main port, while the Danube acts as a huge trade artery for the Balkan countries.

Fish constitute the most widely utilized biological resource of the Black Sea. One conservationist measure has been the banning of dolphin fishing, which was done by Soviet authorities in 1966. Antipollution measures have included restrictions on oil tankers and on the disposal of industrial wastes.

Finally, the magnificent climate and mineral springs around the Black Sea have made it a major recreational and recuperative centre.