This study aims to assess and characterize wave energy resource along the southeastern coasts of the Black Sea. For this purpose, wave energy potential was investigated at a total of 7 study points in this area. The potential for energy generation was assessed based on six-hourly data from a third generation wave model (SWAN) covering the period 1995-2009. The results were validated with buoy measurements and wave energy and power was calculated with the numerical hindcast data. For characterization of wave energy potential, average annual and seasonal variations of the wave power in this area was firstly investigated. Second, wave energy development indexes and the probabilities of exceedance of wave power at the study points were determined. Third, wave energy resource in different ranges of significant wave heights and zero-crossing periods were characterized. Finally, It was found that annual wave energy of all points except Sinop point, whose annual wave energy is 10 MWh/m, is approximately 6 MWh/m and the bulk of annual wave energy occurs for significant wave heights between 0.5 and 2 m and periods between 2 and 5 s. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.