site.btaVaptsarov Naval Academy's Atanasov: All Sea Food within Permitted Pollution Limits

All food sourced from the sea currently remains within permitted pollution limits, Veselin Atanasov of the N. Y. Vaptsarov Naval Academy said during the BG Tourism – Summer 2025 forum at the Grand Hotel Pomorie in the coastal town on Sunday.

Preliminary results from a study by the educational institution and the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen show these findings. As a scientific and educational organization, we monitor trends and technologies for remote observation of the sea surface and its condition using satellites, he said.

Last year, a preliminary study was carried out in the Bulgarian waters of the Black Sea. The project was a collaboration between the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen and the Basin Directorate. Seabed samples were collected to assess the presence of major pollutants, microplastics, and radioactive materials. It was mentioned that, over the past 25-30 years, no seabed samples had been taken from depths of 750-800 metres.

Water samples were collected and analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. Samples were also taken from various marine species, including black mussels, rapa whelks, and different types of fish. Atanasov noted that the Naval Academy remains a reliable resource for official authorities seeking additional information, especially for expert analysis of satellite data and data gathered by unmanned aerial vehicles.

The forum was also attended by Vilyana Ruseva from Burgas Free University, a lecturer and an active member of the Association of Tour Guides; Director of Economic Affairs at Varna University of Management Pavlina Aleksieva; Head of the Department of Economics and Tourism Organization at University of Economics – Varna Georgina Lukanova; Stoyan Marinov from the same department at University of Economics – Varna; and Director of the College of Tourism at Burgas State University Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov Veselina Atanasova.

The BG Tourism – Summer 2025 forum in Pomorie brought together representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Members of Parliament, tourism industry professionals, institutions, media, university lecturers, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Bulgarian tourism in the upcoming summer season.

This is the seventh edition of BTA’s initiative to hold forums twice a year—at the start of the summer and winter tourist seasons. The aim is to discuss strategies and messages for promoting tourism in Bulgaria for the upcoming season, together with representatives from state and municipal institutions, the tourism industry, NGOs, scientists, and experts.