Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission Research Articles

Overview: The Baltic Earth Assessment Reports (BEAR)

Abstract. Baltic Earth is an independent research network of scientists from all Baltic Sea countries that promotes regional Earth system research. Within the framework of this network, the Baltic Earth Assessment Reports (BEARs) were produced in the period 2019–2022. These are a collection of 10 review articles summarising current knowledge on the environmental and climatic state of the Earth system in the Baltic Sea region and its changes in the past (palaeoclimate), present (historical period with instrumental observations) and prospective future (until 2100) caused by natural variability, climate change and other human activities. The division of topics among articles follows the grand challenges and selected themes of the Baltic Earth Science Plan, such as the regional water, biogeochemical and carbon cycles; extremes and natural hazards; sea-level dynamics and coastal erosion; marine ecosystems; coupled Earth system models; scenario simulations for the regional atmosphere and the Baltic Sea; and climate change and impacts of human use. Each review article contains an introduction, the current state of knowledge, knowledge gaps, conclusions and key messages; the latter are the bases on which recommendations for future research are made. Based on the BEARs, Baltic Earth has published an information leaflet on climate change in the Baltic Sea as part of its outreach work, which has been published in two languages so far, and organised conferences and workshops for stakeholders, in collaboration with the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (Helsinki Commission, HELCOM).

Strategic Environmental Assessment in marine spatial planning of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea – An implementation tool for an ecosystem-based approach?

With the enactment of the European Maritime Spatial Planning Directive many coastal Member States are confronted with the challenge of applying Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) in the context of setting up marine spatial plans for the first time. In addition, they are obliged to apply an ecosystem-based approach (EBA) in their new marine/maritime spatial planning (MSP) frameworks. This study examines how the emerging practice of applying SEAs in MSP contributes to the implementation of an EBA. Five case studies from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea marine regions are investigated. The assessment framework is based on the EBA key elements that members of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission and Visions and Strategies around the Baltic Sea agreed upon. The findings of this study underline that SEAs in MSP are potentially a valuable implementation tool for an EBA. However, so far planning reality lacks behind this potential. Analysis shows that not yet all criteria for EBA key elements are addressed in the case studies. In particular, ‘alternative development’, ‘precaution’ and ‘adaptation’ require more specific actions. Key elements were often addressed in a general manner, not reaching the stage of explicit measures. It is necessary to refine vague concepts, to operationalise principles and to advance in knowledge and comparable and transparent methodologies to meet the demands of an EBA. Recommendations are given how to close the gaps from an EBA perspective.

Zooplankton indicator-based assessment in relation to site location and abiotic factors: a case study from the Gulf of Riga.

There are a number of zooplankton parameters proposed as indicators to evaluate environmental status of marine ecosystems. Mean size and total stock (MSTS) is the only zooplankton-based and HELCOM (Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission - Helsinki Commission)-approved core indicator. MSTS was developed to evaluate the environmental status of the Baltic Sea based on total biomass (or abundance) and mean body weight of mesozooplankton. This indicator reflects status of the food web and zooplankton biodiversity. Both are qualitative descriptors for determining good environmental status (GES) as defined by the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC. However, the existing indicator concept is applicable to the extent that it characterizes off-shore pelagic habitats, while use of MSTS for coastal habitats remains challenging. In this case study, we aimed to assess and discuss performance of MSTS applied to mesozooplankton data from the shallow Gulf of Riga. Both off-shore and coastal communities were included in the study. MSTS responses to variable environmental factors (temperature, salinity and riverine runoff) were analysed. Temporal variations in temperature revealed response in mean size, whereas salinity covaried with total stock (both - biomass and abundance). However, spatial variations of MSTS parameters stayed unexplained. The results demonstrate difficulties with and provide possible solutions for MSTS-based assessment, with a particular emphasis on coastal waters. The use of mesozooplankton abundance as a determinant parameter for assessment of coastal waters and substitution of the corresponding 99% confidence interval of the mean as an assessment value instead of the mean have been considered.

Bathymetric properties of the Baltic Sea

Abstract. Baltic Sea bathymetric properties are analysed here using the newly released digital bathymetric model (DBM) by the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). The analyses include hypsometry, volume, descriptive depth statistics, and kilometre-scale seafloor ruggedness, i.e. terrain heterogeneity, for the Baltic Sea as a whole as well as for 17 sub-basins defined by the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM). We compare the new EMODnet DBM with IOWTOPO the previously most widely used DBM of the Baltic Se aproduced by the Leibniz-Institut für Ostseeforschung Warnemünde (IOW), which has served as the primary gridded bathymetric resource in physical and environmental studies for nearly two decades. The area of deep water exchange between the Bothnian Sea and the Northern Baltic Proper across the Åland Sea is specifically analysed in terms of depths and locations of critical bathymetric sills. The EMODnet DBM provides a bathymetric sill depth of 88 m at the northern side of the Åland Sea and 60 m at the southern side, differing from previously identified sill depths of 100 and 70 m, respectively. High-resolution multibeam bathymetry acquired from this deep water exchange path, where vigorous bottom currents interacted with the seafloor, allows us to assess what presently available DBMs are missing in terms of physical characterization of the seafloor. Our study highlights the need for continued work towards complete high-resolution mapping of the Baltic Sea seafloor.

The CBSS as a vehicle for institutionalised governance in the Baltic Sea Area, in comparison with its two sister organisations in the north

This paper will focus on the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), as one of several forums for intergovernmental cooperation in the Baltic Sea Area. It will primarily discuss the origin, status, organisation, tasks and relevance of the CBSS. This will be done in comparison with the Arctic and Barents Councils, two similar organisations in the North. It will consider the broader context of Baltic Sea Area governance focusing on other institutionalised forms of cooperation in this area, including the EU and the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM). The nature of the CBSS as a ‘soft organisation’, in other words an organisation that owes its existence to ‘soft law’ instruments which are not legally binding under public international law, will be highlighted. This article asks the question to what extent does this ‘soft’ nature of the CBSS have consequences for its organisation and functioning. Consideration will also be given to the specific role of the CBSS in Baltic Sea Area governance taking into account its ‘soft’ status, limited resources, broad range of tasks and activities and the political realities affecting Baltic Sea Area cooperation.Glossary and abbreviations AEPS, The Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy; B7, Baltic Seven Islands; Baltic TRAM, Transnational Research Access in the Macroregion; BASREC, Baltic Sea Region Energy Cooperation; BEAC, Barents Euro-Arctic Council; BEATA, Barents Euro-Arctic Pan-European Transport Area; BSC, Baltic Sea Commission; BSLF, Baltic Sea Labour Forum; BSPC, Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference; BSRBCC, Baltic Sea Region Border Control Cooperation; BSSC, Baltic Sea States Subregional Cooperation; CBSS, Council of the Baltic Sea States; CPMR, Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions; CPN, Civil Protection Network; CSCE, Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe; CSO, Committee of Senior Officials; EEA, European Economic Area; EGMP, Expert Group on Maritime Policy; EGYA, Expert Group on Youth Affairs; ENPRO, Network of Prosecutors on Environmental Crime; EUSBSR, EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region; HELCOM, Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, Helsinki Commission; Inter alia, among other things; IOM, International Organization for Migration; OECD, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; OSCE, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; PFI, Pilot Financial Initiative; PFS, Project Support Facility; Raison d’être, Reason of being; the purpose or claimed reason for the existence of something; SAO, Senior Arctic Official; UBC, Union of Baltic Cities; VASAB, Vision and Strategies around the Baltic Sea; WGE, Working Group on Environment; WGEC, Working Group on Economic Cooperation; WGIP, Working Group of Indigenous Peoples

CHARACTERISTICS OF MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY FROM HA TINH TO QUANG NAM (60-100M WATER DEPTH)

CHARACTERISTICS OF MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY FROM HA TINH TO QUANG NAM (60-100M WATER DEPTH)

Mechanical Oil Spill Recovery in Ice; Finnish Approach

ABSTRACT Finland, being one of the Baltic Sea States, is strongly dependent of marine transport. About 80 % of Finnish exports and imports are carried by maritime transport. Since one of the main routes of Russian oil export goes along the southern coastline of Finland (155 million metric ton year 2010) (SYKE 2010) and Finland is the only country in the world, where all harbors can freeze in the winter, it has been essential to develop adequate ability to respond oil spills also in ice. The national oil spill response authority, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) has, for over 20 years worked with together with private companies and research institutes both in Finland and abroad to develop mechanical recovery methods to combat oil in icy conditions. Mechanical recovery is preferred due to recommendations of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), where chemical agents and in situ burning can be used only in special, restricted circumstances. (HELCOM recommendations) The methods and...

B. Poland

The Protocol of Amendments to the Convention on the International Hydrographic Organization has been ratified. No new instruments have been signed in 2010. On 28 May, a Protocol on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological and Landscape Diversity to the Convention on the Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians entered into force (also in relation to Poland). On 21 April, an Agreement between Belgium, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden on the Privileges and Immunities of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission entered into force in relation to Poland. EC Directive 2006/7 Concerning the Management of Bathing Water Quality has been implemented by an Act of 3 March 2010 amending the Act on Water Law and the Act on Environmental Protection. The act introduced some deep changes in the...

Multi-decadal scale variability in the eastern Baltic cod fishery 1550–1860—Evidence and causes

Identification of periods of high and low cod production, and the reasons for these periods, can increase understanding of variability in populations and ecosystems. In this study we investigate the multi-decadal and multi-century scale variations in the cod population in the eastern Baltic Sea (ICES Subdivisions 25–32). Analytically derived estimates of biomass are available since 1966. These estimates show that biomass increased in the late 1970s–early 1980s, but decreased nearly 10-fold until the early 1990s and is still well below the long-term average. Prior to 1966 the biomass of cod is unknown, as is the relative role of fishing, climate variability/regimes, eutrophication and reduction of marine mammal predator populations. We have begun to investigate whether historical fisheries information (landings, effort, distribution) from before the 1880s is available in Baltic archives and museums, and to what extent this information can be used to interpret variations in this population. We have located fisheries data for different parts of the Baltic for different time periods since the 1550s and have interpreted the findings using current process knowledge of oceanographic mechanisms affecting cod reproduction and ecology in the Baltic Sea. The recovered data show that the Baltic ecosystem was able to support modest-large cod populations even though it was oligotrophic and contained large populations of cod predators (e.g., marine mammals). Current ecosystem management policy in the Baltic as developed and implemented by organisations such as the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), the nine coastal countries and the European Union includes recovery of the cod population, a reduction in nutrient loading and measures to promote recovery of seal and harbour porpoise populations. If these policies are successful, the role of predatory fish in the future Baltic could again be substantial and comparable to that which we show existed 450 years ago. However, such a scenario will also require a major reduction in cod fishing mortality and suitable hydrographic conditions which promote successful cod reproduction. Historical ecology investigations in the Baltic can contribute to scientifically based fishery and ecosystem management and recovery plans.

Raising environmental awareness in the Baltic Sea area: results and experience gained from the SPA Project

In the 1990s, the countries in the Baltic Sea catchment area were undergoing many changes on the political, economic, social and cultural levels. The development of democracy in the previous Eastern Block countries and the enlargement of the European Union to include Sweden and Finland have also created a new framework for international, regional and sub-regional cooperation in the field of environmental awareness. Many new actors working in this field have appeared at international and local levels. The SPA report carried out by the Finnish Environment Institute in cooperation with the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) aimed at providing useful background information, findings and action proposals for raising environmental awareness in the Baltic Sea catchment area. It was intended to serve the European Union, HELCOM and other numerous regional, national, local and sectoral actors in their activities related to environmental awareness and public participation.

BALTICSEAWEB: an information system about the Baltic Sea environment

A database has been created containing currently more than 11 000 references to published information on environmental aspects of the Baltic Sea within the framework of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission. The database is accessible on the Internet with two types of user interfaces, a search form and geographic user interfaces. In addition to bibliographic information a number of original documents have been made available in electronic form so that the user cannot only retrieve bibliographic records but also original documents. The geographical user interfaces include a dynamic Java applet with a scaleable map and a more static clickable map. Owing to varying quality of Internet services available to the users both types of geographical user interfaces as well as a simple text-based search form are being supported. Further information on the GIS development project with access to the database can be found at http://www.baltic.vtt.fi

Protection of the Baltic Sea: The Role of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission

The paper describes the development and implementation of technological applications which seek to protect the Baltic Sea and coastal waters from pollution development. (excerpt)

Protection of the Baltic Sea: The Role of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission

Protection of the Baltic Sea: The Role of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission

Model Simulations of the Transport of Odra Flood Water through the Szczecin Lagoon into the Pomeranian Bight in July/August 1997

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Aquatic biodiversity under anthropogenic stress: an insight from the Archipelago Sea (SW Finland)

The Archipelago Sea in the northern Baltic has been subjected to large-scale cultural, economic and ecological changes, especially during the last three decades. Environmental threats originate from both basin-wide sources, affecting the whole Baltic Sea, and from local sources, such as nutrient loading from nearby river outflows, intense agriculture, fish farming, ships' traffic, boating, and man's physical impacts on the landscape and seascape. Both the Aland archipelago and the Archipelago Sea have been listed as hot-spots by HELCOM, Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission, eutrophication being the main threat to the aquatic environment. In this study we review how biological communities have reacted to an increase in man-induced multisource stresses. Changes in plankton, benthic animals, macroalgal assemblages and fish communities have been documented in most parts of the Baltic Sea since the 1970s. What remains to be understood is the importance of these structural changes for the functioning of the Archipelago Sea ecosystem under various levels of human impact.