نسرین حسن زاده

Restrictions and lockdown of Covid 19 have some positive and negative consequences for the environment. On the positive side, restricted human interaction with nature during this crisis time has appeared as a blessing for nature and environment. Reports from all over the world are indicating that after the outbreak of COVID-19, environmental conditions including air quality and water quality in rivers are improving and wildlife is blooming. Most highly visible and iconic large marine animals, including baleen whales, manatees, orca, dolphins, as well as smaller animals such as turtles, fish, and crabs, have appeared in unexpected areas. The lack of tourists due to social distancing measures has caused a significant change in the appearance of many beaches in the world and has made the water of the beaches cleaner and clearer. On the negative side, the outbreak of this disease has caused excessive use of chlorine disinfectants and detergents, increased use of personal protective equipment (including masks, gloves, etc.) and increased plastic pollution, which currently has many negative effects and consequences on the aquatic ecosystem and aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and in the future these negative effects will be more apparent. Given the importance of understanding the effects of this emerging disease on the environment, this paper summarizes the positive and negative effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity