The southern coast of Ukraine is bordered by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Black Sea has a surface area of 423,000 sq. Its depth is 2,000m. In the northwest, however, the sea is only 30-60m. deep. The important ports of Odesa, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Sevastopol lie on the Black Sea.
Animal life is limited.
Among the best-known fish are sturgeon, goby, mullet, plaice and such typically Black Sea fish as horse mackerel and scomber. The Sea of Azov is much less picturesque. Syvash Bay with bitter and very salty waters forms part of the sea. There are wonderful sandy beaches on its northern coast and it is rich in fish life. In the winter the Sea of Azov freezes over.