Investigating the seasonal and spatial dynamics of total suspended matter composition in major fishing ports across the southeastern Black Sea

The concentrations of total suspended matter (TSM) in coastal ecosystems are influenced by various sediment transport mechanisms. Therefore, systematic and effective determination of the regional structure of TSM data is of great importance for the management of coastal areas and ports. In this context, it was aimed to examine TSM concentrations in Yoroz, Fındıklı and Hopa Fishing Ports, which are the most important and largest fishing ports on the southeastern Black Sea coast, using an ecosystem approach, taking into account both spatial and seasonal variations. Sampling was conducted seasonally in 2022, considering climatic and meteorological conditions, at nine different stations designated for each study area. Spatial density maps of TSM concentrations for the study areas were generated using GIS technology. In terms of seasons, TSM concentrations reached their lowest values in winter (ranging from 5.5 mg/l to 42.16 mg/l) and peaked during spring (ranging from 8.24 mg/l to 48.20 mg/l). Geographically, Yoroz Fishing Port recorded the lowest TSM concentrations (ranging from 9.58 mg/l to 16.85 mg/l), while Hopa Fishing Port exhibited the highest concentrations (ranging from 8.03 mg/l to 37.56 mg/l). Principal component analysis was employed to explore the relationships among multiple environmental variables. Based on GIS-generated spatial distribution maps, factors such as regional current direction and intensity, port locations, and climatic and meteorological conditions appear to be key determinants in the spatial distribution of TSM concentrations. This study is important in determining how long it will take for the fishing port grounds to fill up based on suspended matter density and how long they can continue to function. [Display omitted] •Current intensity and direction influence Total Suspended Matter (TSM) distribution in the southern Black Sea.•TSM concentrations vary seasonally, peaking in spring and lowest in winter.•Hopa Fishing Port is a TSM hotspot, influenced by river discharge, erosion, countercurrents, and topography.