Destruction of the Kakhovka Dam (Ukraine) and Its Impact on Mediterranean Mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) Populations in the Gulf of Odesa
Journal: Acta Zoologica Bulgarica
Year: 2025

Following the deliberate destruction of the Kakhovka Dam (Ukraine; 6th June, 2023), freshwater from the reservoir flowed into the Black Sea, resulting in widespread desalination (&lt; 8‰) and pollution near the Odessa coast, negatively affecting populations of Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Subsequent surveys revealed mass mortalities on both natural (rock) and artificial (traverses, piers) substrates at depths of 1–3 m. Maximal valve length of dead mussels was 61 mm on both nat