The paper presents the results of diversity and distribution of thermophilic species of echinoderms in the continental shelf on Montenegro coast. The data show that explored area inhabited by eight species of which the sea cucumber Holothuria (Platyperona) sanctori for the first time is recorded and is new species for the fauna of Montenegro. Based on the fact that climate change affects the temperature rise of the sea water, especially the coastal area, the aim of this study was to determine the presence of thermophilic species of echinoderms, which can be the basis for further monitoring and tracking changes in the benthic biocoenosis of the southern Adriatic.

The content of major elements Al, K and Mg was investigated in surface sediment samples from the coastal area of the South-eastern Adriatic, in sediment fraction less than 2 mm. Obtained results were used to present horizontal spatial distribution of these elements in sediment of the area studied. The spatial distribution of elements showed similarities in the behavior of Al and K, while the distribution pattern of Mg in sediment was contrary to Al and K. It can be noticed that the sediment composition in terms of these elements reflects the geological characteristics of the continental hinterland in the South-eastern Adriatic coastal zone.

Marine sediments are very important for transport, fate and influence of heavy metals in marine ecosystem and therefore they represent good indicator of its ecological status. A great attention has been given in the last two decades in the Mediterranean region to the determination of heavy metals concentration in marine sediments through the monitoring programs, as well as to the studies of heavy metals distribution and their effects on biota. This paper presents the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn determined by EDPXRF method, in the surficial sediment samples taken from six location in the coastal region of the South East Adriatic and their distribution in the investigated area. It can be noticed the influence of the Bojana river regarding the content and distribution of selected heavy metals.

In this paper some results of investigations of physical, chemical and biological parameters were presented from the parts of Montenegrin coastal sea exposed to the impact of the open waters of the Southern Adriatic sea. As Herceg Novi area is simultaneously the part of the Boka Kotorska Bay (which goes deeply to mainland), eutrophication is more visiable there. Biological parameters were the most visiable indicators of eutrophication during these investigations.