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.

In this paper the results of preliminary investigations of microbiological quality of seawater and sediment are presented. Analyses are performed by membrane filtration. The samples were collected near the sawage outfalls in Bokakotorska bay. It is noticed much higher number of bacteria – indicators of fecal pollution in sediment surface that seawater overlaying the sediment. Concentrations of bacteria diminished in layers of sediment laying deeper that sediment surface. Influence of wastewater is the most evident on 1 and 3 positions.

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.

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cd and As) were measured in sea water and mussels at location in the Boka Kotor Bay which selected as result of increased anthropogenic impacts from land. Sampling was performed at three locations, Sv. Stasije, Herceg Novi and Žanjice in the fall 2006 and spring 2007. The majority of the microelements registered in higher concentrations in fall samples in 2006 than in spring samples 2007. The concentration of metals in the studied samples was present at different levels, and is beloved the maximum level allowed, except for yinc and lead in some locations.

The fact is that in the world today water and land represents limited life resources which are more and more degrade and disturbed, mostly by anthropogenic influence. Especially water (seas, rivers, lakes) is exposed to various types of pollution. The fact is that in the world today water and land represented limited life resources which are more. That why in present time we conduct numerous scientific researches to examine, advance and protect our environment, especially water as a limited and delicate natural resource. In this work results from April to September 2011 are presented, which comprised analyses of samples from 8 stations in Boka Kotorska Bay. The main aim was to estimate trophic level, of determining the concentration of the physico-chemical parameters, chlorophyll a and TRIX index in Boka Kotorska Bay.

On the base of monitoring of water quality for aquaculture, performed since 2010, it is noticed that two positions are showing increased level of trophicity and bacteriological contamination. Changes in sanitary quality of farms are especially intensive during the summer months, so the results of basic physical, chamical and biological parameters, measured during periods June-September 2010 and 2011 are presented and compared.

This paper presents results of measuring the contents of certain bioindicators in samples of digestive gland and lung of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The results were obtained in the framework of the Program for monitoring ecological status in Montenegro from 2009 to 2011 year. Samples were collected from two locations: Kotor-Dobrota (wild mussels) and the site of Bijela (caged mussels). Dynamic of sampling was twice a year, in April and September. In order to estimate the spatial distribution and temporal trends of pollution the results were compared with analysis of biomarkers in the three localities in the Slovenian coastal waters (bays Piran, Koper and Strujan). Biomarker responses showed no differences between these positions in the southern and northern Adriatic.

Monitoring of ecological condition of the coastal sea of Montenegro has been carried out extensively since 1963 along with foundation of the Institute of marine Biology in Kotor (Montenegro). Recently, in accordance with recommendations of the Barcelona Convention, the LBS Protocol, the EU Framework Directive for coastal waters and domestic laws, in recent years has been carried out continuous monitoring of quality water, sediments, biota as well as ecological effects of pollution on constant monitoring positions in this southeastern part of the Adriatic. In this paper was given an over view of activities and the plan of long-term continuous monitoring of environmental quality and ecological condition of the coastal sea of Montenegro.

Mediterranean mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, are recognized bioindicators used in investigation of genotoxic pollution in the areas under the impact of anthropogenic activities. In July and August 2011 specimens of M. galloprovincialis were collected from 5 sites of Boka Kotorska Bay, Montenegro. Level of DNA damage was measured in gills, haemolymph and digestive gland with alkaline comet assay. Significant increase in DNA damage was detected in tissues of mussels collected from polluted sites comparing with mussels collected from the clean reference site Dobrota. The highest response to pollution was found in gills and digestive gland cells.

Based on all available data a review of introduced non-indigenous species is reported for the area of Montenegrian coastal sea (South-East Adriatic Sea). All together 11 species were recorded, three algae and eight animals. Monitoring of invasive species has been done partially only for Caulerpa racemose var. cylindracea, while for other species distribution and impact on autochthonous environment is unknown.