On August 28, 2026, the State Organization “Institute of Market and Economic-Ecological Researches of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine” hosted a round table titled “Artificial Reefs as a Nature-Based Solution for the Restoration of Marine and Estuarine Ecosystems of Ukraine: Scientific, Legal, and Practical Aspects.”
One of the key topics was the implementation of the international project ” Network for the Preservation of Sturgeon and for the Sustainability of the Black Sea Basin Ecosystem” (BSB00172), aimed at protecting and conserving sturgeon in the Black Sea basin.
Project BSB00172 focuses on increasing attention to sturgeon conservation as a crucial component of Black Sea biodiversity and searching for practical solutions to restore and sustain aquatic ecosystems. In this context, nature-based approaches—specifically the creation of artificial reefs—are of particular importance. These structures help form habitats for aquatic organisms, boost the ecological resilience of marine and estuarine ecosystems, and restore their natural potential.
During the round table, participants discussed the scientific, legal, and practical aspects of using artificial reefs as an ecosystem restoration tool. Special attention was paid to using such solutions to conserve biodiversity, restore aquatic bioresources, and create favorable conditions for the survival and reproduction of valuable fish species, particularly sturgeon.
The importance of this direction stems not only from the ecological value of sturgeon, but also from the need for comprehensive restoration of the Black Sea basin ecosystems. Sturgeon conservation requires combining scientific research, effective environmental management, improved legal mechanisms, and practical habitat restoration measures.
The event was held with the support of the international project SCIENCE AT RISK Emergency Office, implemented by the Academic Network Eastern Europe.
The round table brought together representatives from scientific institutions, government authorities, environmental and law enforcement agencies, regional military administrations, natural reserve management bodies, non-governmental organizations, and other expert bodies. Participants included representatives from the Institute of Marine Biology of the NAS of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Scientific Center of Ecology of the Sea (UkrSCES), the State Agency of Fisheries and Melioration of Ukraine, the State Environmental Inspectorate of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Odesa and Mykolaiv Regional Military Administrations, and other organizations.
Uniting the efforts of the scientific community, state institutions, and the public sector builds a solid foundation for implementing nature-based solutions and developing a system for aquatic bioresource conservation.
The project “Network for the Preservation of Sturgeon and for the Sustainability of the Black Sea Basin Ecosystem” (BSB00172) serves as a vital component of this process, fostering an effective cooperation network and practical mechanisms to protect sturgeon and Black Sea ecosystems.
