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Sea of Azov Facts

Sea of Azov Facts
The Sea of Azov is located in Eastern Europe, often considered to be an extension of the Black Sea to its south. The sea is bordered by Russia to its east, the Crimean Peninsula to its west, and Ukraine to its north. The Sea of Azov, with average depths of only 23 feet, is considered to be the shallowest sea in the world. The maximum depth is 46 feet. The Sea of Azov covers approximately 15,000 square miles and has a maximum width of 110 miles and maximum length of 220 miles. It is believed that the name of the Sea of Azov is derived from a settlement near Azov. In ancient times it was referred to as the Maeotis Swamp.
Interesting Sea of Azov Facts:
There were many military conflicts in the Sea of Azov dating back to the 1600s.
A major battle of the Crimean War took place in the Sea of Azov which involved British and French allies against the Russians.
There are many rivers flowing into the sea. These form bays, limans, and lagoons by depositing shells, silt, and sand. These narrow sandbanks are referred to as spits.
One of the world's longest spits is called the Arabat Spit and it is found in the Sea of Azov. It stretches more than 70 miles.
The climate of the Azov Sea is considered to be continental. It has hot and dry summers and cold winters. Winds from Siberia can reduce the temperature to -30 degrees Celsius in the fall and winter.
Fishing is a major activity in the Sea of Azov because it is a sea rich with marine life.
There are more than 300 invertebrate species and more than 80 fish species in the Sea of Azov. The annual catch at one time was approximately 300,000 tonnes.
Fishing yield has diminished in the Sea of Azov due to dams, over-fishing, cotton cultivation, and increased pollution. Anchovy fisheries suffered complete collapse as a result.
The shallow waters of the Sea of Azov promote lagoon characteristics, with plankton being similar along the sea shore and in the middle of the sea.
There is a strong bird population in the Sea of Azov. Common species include ducks, wild geese, seagulls, cormorants, pelicans, swans, sandpipers, herons, and birds of prey.
Mammals that can be found along the coast of the Sea of Azov include hedgehogs, hares, wild boar, martens, weasels, wild cats, and foxes.
Fish that are commonly found in the Sea of Azov include perch, sturgeon, whitefish, herring, plaice, mackerel, carp, mullet, bream, and anchovies.
Excessive fishing since the Second World War has drastically reduced the amount of sturgeon and perch in the Sea of Azov.
The ships that use the Sea of Azov for transportation commonly carry hard coal, building supplies, iron ore, wood, salt, grain, and fish, as well as passengers.
The main ports in the sea of Azov include Tahanrih, Mariupol, and Rostov-na-Donu.
The coast of the Azov is a popular spot in the warm summer months with vacationers.


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