Institute of Oceanology - Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

The research activities of the Institute are in the field of marine physics, chemistry, geology and archaeology, biology and ecology, coastal dynamics and ocean technologies. It carries out complex monitoring of the Bulgarian part of the Black Sea, develops consulting and expert activities, prepares qualified marine scientists. IO represents BAS as a co-ordinator of all studies related with the Black Sea and World Ocean by the National Oceanographic Commission (NOC) and successfully directs the research activity and international relations within the frame of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. Throughout its history the Institute is the Principal National research body for the investigation of the Black Sea and the adjacent water basins. The main research activities are focused on the ecology of pelagic and benthic assemblages, biodiversity, taxonomic and community structural studies, response to environmental parameters – eutrophication and pollution, indicators of marine environment ecological state and coastal zone management are the main priorities of the research activities. The Institute is the National Focal Point for biodiversity to the Black Sea Environmental Program, responsible for the National Black Sea Monitoring Program, authorised advisory body for national marine water quality standards, implementation of the WFD and management of marine resources. IO-BAS has been very active in all EU FP (Centre of Excellence, 5FP, partner in ELME, SESAME, THRESHOLDS, SPICOSA) and 7FP Projects (MICORE, WISER, KNOWSEAS).

Key Personnel

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Snejana Moncheva, Head of Dep. Marine Biology and Ecology, Deputy Scientific Director has over30 years’ experience in phytoplankton taxonomy and ecology, phytoplankton blooms, ecosystem health indicators. She has been involved in many EU-projects, (coordinator of CESUM-BS Centre of Excellence, IO-BAS partner coordinator of ELME, SESAME, THRESHOLDS, SPICOSA) recently 7FP WISER. National expert in the AG on Conservation of Biodiversity to the Black Sea Commission, expert in a number of national scientific advisory bodies for policy-makers.