Meiobenthos as indicator of gaseous hydrocarbons reservoirs existing under the seabed of the Black Sea

This presentation represents a case study that reviews research into the relationship between meiobenthos distribution and concentrations of hydrocarbon gases (HG), primarily methane, in the sediments of the northwestern part of the Black Sea, including gases released by mud volcanoes and gas seeps. Evidence forming the basis of this research comes from meiobenthos here represented by 29 species of benthic foraminifers, 7 species of ostracods, and 44 species of nematodes. The potential use of these meiobenthic organisms as indicators of gaseous hydrocarbons reservoirs existing under the seabed is evaluated according to two linked axes, namely the dual analysis of abiotic factors (physical and chemical parameters of the water column, gasmetrical, geochemical, lithological, and mineralogical properties of the sediments) and biotic characteristics (quantitative and taxonomic composition of foraminifers, nematodes, and ostracods). Studies of this kind have been directed toward developing interdisciplinary methods to improve the search for HG accumulations, especially methane, under the seabed. Development of such methods might have substantial socio-economic importance for the economy of Ukraine as well as that of other Black Sea countries, and such methods might also contribute to the sustainable development of Black Sea ecosystems.