North Aegean Sea - Ecology
In the oligotrophic environment of this area, the phytoplankton is dominated by small sized cells belonging to the pico- and nano- fractions, which are grazed by ciliates. Mesozooplankton are unable to consume such small sized cells However, they have been shown to be the most important group in terms of overall effect in the food-web. Anchovy are the most abundant fish species. They link lower trophic levels to higher trophic levels and also contribute to benthic-pelagic coupling in the system. An invasive ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi, which was associated with the collapse of pelagic fish resources in the Black Sea during the early 90’s, has been observed in the N. Aegean Sea and its biomass and distribution is increasing (Siapatis et al. 2008). Several parts of the North Aegean Sea have been identified as important habitats, such as spawning and nursery grounds, for small pelagic and demersal fish.