Swedish Coast Research Articles

Limitations of the Swedish coordination capacity for large oil spills

The inadequacy of the Swedish national emergency management system has been highlighted during several large-scale national emergencies, including forest fires (Västmanland 2014) and storms (Gudrun 2005, Dagmar 2011, and Ivar 2013). The Swedish oil spill preparedness is part of the national emergency response system and was tested under real conditions during the 2003 Fu Shan Hai and 2011 Golden Trader oil spills. Fu Shan Hai spilled 1,200 tonnes of oil on the shorelines of southern Sweden and Golden Trader spilled 500 tonnes on the island of Tjörn. Lessons learned from these incidents and national exercises highlight problems with understanding and cooperation between the organisations responsible during the emergency phase. Complications in the decision-making process lead to confusing, conflicting, or delayed orders, impeding the effectiveness of the response. These difficulties were evident at local, regional, and national levels during the oil spill response. The Swedish oil spill preparedness system does not have a hierarchical structure. Network analysis and surveys of all coastal municipalities, County Administrative Boards and interviews with national oil spill experts were used to examine the characteristics of the oil spill network. This study shows that 80% of the involved organisations have explicit mandates for oil spill preparedness. An established management network exists, covering 83% of the maximum theoretical connections for contingency planning and 88% for response. The Swedish Coast Guard, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, and Oil Spill Advisory Service are central organisations. The roles of the Swedish Coast Guard are clear to the respondents, but the roles of the Swedish Transport Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, and Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management are less clear. For planning, the municipalities, County Administrative Boards, Swedish Coast Guard, Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, and Oil Spill Equipment Depots are considered the most valuable. For response, the municipalities, Swedish Coast Guard, Oil Spill Equipment Depots, County Administrative Boards, Oil Spill Advisory Service, and Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency are considered the most valuable. The few connections between the counties and sometimes between neighbouring municipalities in the network, suggests a need to establish an Incident Management System for national cross-organisational emergencies, such as large oil spills. Most importantly, more cross-organisational exercises are needed to build capacity and the necessary inter-organisational relationships. The authors recommend the formation of an Incident Management System in Sweden in order to improve the management of large oil spills.

Habitat quality and fish populations: impacts of nutrient enrichment on the value of European perch off the east coast of Sweden

Degradation of marine ecosystems through, e.g., eutrophication and climate change is a concern for sustainable fishery management worldwide, but studies on associated impacts on fish populations are rare. This study examines the effects of eutrophying nutrient loads on the economic value of perch populations along the Swedish east coast by estimating the effects of nutrient loads on the population of perch and, then, simulates the harvest value of future perch population under the changes in nutrient loads. A modified Gordon-Schaefer logistic growth model was used for econometric estimation of perch populations based on annual time series data for the period of 1970-2014. Regression analysis using the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) estimator revealed that phosphorus loads had significant effects on the perch population. A 40% decrease in phosphorus loads, as suggested by the international HELCOM agreement, could increase the steady state perch population by 50%. Simple calculations showed that this could increase the total discounted recreational and commercial harvest value of the perch by 30% over a 30 year period.

Bayesian updating in a fault tree model for shipwreck risk assessment

Shipwrecks containing oil and other hazardous substances have been deteriorating on the seabeds of the world for many years and are threatening to pollute the marine environment. The status of the wrecks and the potential volume of harmful substances present in the wrecks are affected by a multitude of uncertainties. Each shipwreck poses a unique threat, the nature of which is determined by the structural status of the wreck and possible damage resulting from hazardous activities that could potentially cause a discharge. Decision support is required to ensure the efficiency of the prioritisation process and the allocation of resources required to carry out risk mitigation measures. Whilst risk assessments can provide the requisite decision support, comprehensive methods that take into account key uncertainties related to shipwrecks are limited. The aim of this paper was to develop a method for estimating the probability of discharge of hazardous substances from shipwrecks. The method is based on Bayesian updating of generic information on the hazards posed by different activities in the surroundings of the wreck, with information on site-specific and wreck-specific conditions in a fault tree model. Bayesian updating is performed using Monte Carlo simulations for estimating the probability of a discharge of hazardous substances and formal handling of intrinsic uncertainties. An example application involving two wrecks located off the Swedish coast is presented. Results show the estimated probability of opening, discharge and volume of the discharge for the two wrecks and illustrate the capability of the model to provide decision support. Together with consequence estimations of a discharge of hazardous substances, the suggested model enables comprehensive and probabilistic risk assessments of shipwrecks to be made.

Size matters: relationships between body size and body mass of common coastal, aquatic invertebrates in the Baltic Sea.

BackgroundOrganism biomass is one of the most important variables in ecological studies, making biomass estimations one of the most common laboratory tasks. Biomass of small macroinvertebrates is usually estimated as dry mass or ash-free dry mass (hereafter ‘DM’ vs. ‘AFDM’) per sample; a laborious and time consuming process, that often can be speeded up using easily measured and reliable proxy variables like body size or wet (fresh) mass. Another common way of estimating AFDM (one of the most accurate but also time-consuming estimates of biologically active tissue mass) is the use of AFDM/DM ratios as conversion factors. So far, however, these ratios typically ignore the possibility that the relative mass of biologically active vs. non-active support tissue (e.g., protective exoskeleton or shell)—and therefore, also AFDM/DM ratios—may change with body size, as previously shown for taxa like spiders, vertebrates and trees.MethodsWe collected aquatic, epibenthic macroinvertebrates (>1 mm) in 32 shallow bays along a 360 km stretch of the Swedish coast along the Baltic Sea; one of the largest brackish water bodies on Earth. We then estimated statistical relationships between the body size (length or height in mm), body dry mass and ash-free dry mass for 14 of the most common taxa; five gastropods, three bivalves, three crustaceans and three insect larvae. Finally, we statistically estimated the potential influence of body size on the AFDM/DM ratio per taxon.ResultsFor most taxa, non-linear regression models describing the power relationship between body size and (i) DM and (ii) AFDM fit the data well (as indicated by low SE and high R2). Moreover, for more than half of the taxa studied (including the vast majority of the shelled molluscs), body size had a negative influence on organism AFDM/DM ratios.DiscussionThe good fit of the modelled power relationships suggests that the constants reported here can be used to quickly estimate organism dry- and ash-free dry mass based on body size, thereby freeing up considerable work resources. However, the considerable differences in constants between taxa emphasize the need for taxon-specific relationships, and the potential dangers associated with ignoring body size. The negative influence of body size on the AFDM/DM ratio found in a majority of the molluscs could be caused by increasingly thicker shells with organism age, and/or spawning-induced loss of biologically active tissue in adults. Consequently, future studies utilizing AFDM/DM (and presumably also AFDM/wet mass) ratios should carefully assess the potential influence of body size to ensure more reliable estimates of organism body mass.

Complete Genome Sequences of Two Marine Vibrio cholerae Strains Isolated from the South Coast of Sweden.

Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 are commonly associated with diarrhea, while non-O1-O139 strains may cause wound infections. Here, we present the genome sequences of two V. cholerae strains isolated from blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) collected in coastal waters of southern Sweden.

Fiskefria Omrrden Ur Ett Samhhllsekonomiskt Perspektiv: En Konceptuell Analys (An Economic Perspective on Marine Protected Areas: A Conceptual Analysis)

Swedish Abstract: Huvudsyftet med foreliggande rapport ar att pa ett overgripande och konceptuellt plan beskriva inneborden av en samhallsekonomisk nytto- och kostnadsanalys, eller samhallsekonomisk bedomning, och hur en sadan kan och bor genomforas for att analysera samhallsnyttan av fiskefria omraden. Vidare syftar rapporten till att exemplifiera vilken typ av empiriska data och metoder som finns tillgangliga for en sadan analys med hjalp av den fritidsfiskeundersokning som arligen gors i regi av Hav och Vattenmyndigheten.English Abstract: The main purpose of this report is to give a general and conceptual plan outline of the implications of a socio-economic cost benefit analysis, and how this can and should be conducted to analyze the social benefit of fishing free zones. Furthermore, the report aims to exemplify the type of empirical data and methods available for such analysis with the help of the recreational fishing survey carried out annually under the auspices of the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management. Socio-economic cost benefit analysis is a well-established tool for various socio-economic operations and projects. As such, such analyzes thus provide useful information for decision-making. The report is structured as following. Section 2 provides a very general description of recreational fishing along the Swedish coast. In the section 3 a brief account of the legislation and the rules that govern recreational fishing is provided. A description of the fishing-free areas along the Swedish coast and in the Swedish Great Lakes region, as well as the rationale for their establishment, is given in section 4. Section 5 provides a brief and perfunctory account on the theoretical foundations of welfare economic analysis, with a focus on economic efficiency. An account of how an economic analysis should be implemented specifically for fishing free areas given in Section 6. Practical methods to value non-market goods in general, and how these can be used to estimate the benefits and costs as a result of fishing free areas are outlined in section 7. In section 8 a relatively simple empirical illustration, based on data from the above mentioned recreational fishing survey is provided. Section 9, finally, provides some concluding remarks.

Impact of Generator Stroke Length on Energy Production for a Direct Drive Wave Energy Converter

The Lysekil wave energy converter (WEC), developed by the wave energy research group of Uppsala University, has evolved through a variety of mechanical designs since the first prototype was installed in 2006. The hundreds of engineering decisions made throughout the design processes have been based on a combination of theory, know-how from previous experiments, and educated guesses. One key parameter in the design of the WECs linear generator is the stroke length. A long stroke requires a taller WEC with associated economical and mechanical challenges, but a short stroke limits the power production. The 2-m stroke of the current WECs has been an educated guess for the Swedish wave climate, though the consequences of this choice on energy absorption have not been studied. When the WEC technology is considered for international waters, with larger waves and challenges of energy absorption and survivability, the subject of stroke length becomes even more relevant. This paper studies the impact of generator stroke length on energy absorption for three sites off the coasts of Sweden, Chile and Scotland. 2-m, 4-m, and unlimited stroke are considered. Power matrices for the studied WEC prototype are presented for each of the studied stroke lengths. Presented results quantify the losses incurred by a limited stroke. The results indicate that a 2-m stroke length is likely to be a good choice for Sweden, but 4-m is likely to be necessary in more energetic international waters.

VRAKA—A Probabilistic Risk Assessment Method for Potentially Polluting Shipwrecks

Shipwrecks around the world contain unknown volumes of hazardous substances which, if discharged, could harm the marine environment. Shipwrecks can deteriorate for a number of reasons, including corrosion and physical impact from trawling and other activities, and the probability of a leakage increases with time. Before deciding on possible mitigation measures, there are currently few comprehensive methods for assessing shipwrecks with respect to pollution risks. A holistic method for estimating environmental risks from shipwrecks should be based on well-established risk assessment methods and should take into account both the probability of discharge and the potential consequences. The purpose of this study was therefore to present a holistic risk assessment method for potentially polluting shipwrecks. The focus is set to developing a method for estimating the environmental consequences of potential discharges of hazardous substances from shipwrecks and to combine this with earlier research on a tool for estimating the probability of discharge of hazardous substances. Risk evaluation should also be included in a full risk assessment and is the subject of further research. The consequence assessment was developed for application in three tiers. In Tier 1, the probability of discharge and possible amount of discharge are compared to other shipwrecks. In Tier 2, a risk matrix, including a classification of potential consequences, is suggested as a basis for assessment and comparison. The most detailed level, Tier 3, is based on advanced tools for oil spill trajectory modeling and sensitivity mapping of the Swedish coast. To illustrate the method an example application on two wrecks is presented. Wreck number 1 present a lower probability of discharge and a lower consequence in a Tier 1 and Tier 3 assessment. For the Tier 2 consequence assessment, the two example wrecks present equal consequence. The tool for estimating the probability of discharge of hazardous substances from shipwrecks, and the approach for consequence estimation, offers a comprehensive method for assessing the risks presented by potentially polluting shipwrecks. The method is known as VRAKA (short for shipwreck risk assessment in Swedish) and provides decision support, facilitating prioritization of risk mitigation measures enabling efficient use of available resources.

Reduced Genetic Diversity and Increased Structure in American Mink on the Swedish Coast following Invasive Species Control.

Eradication and population reductions are often used to mitigate the negative impacts of non-native invasive species on native biodiversity. However, monitoring the effectiveness of non-native species control programmes is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of these measures. Genetic monitoring could provide valuable insights into temporal changes in demographic, ecological, and evolutionary processes in invasive populations being subject to control programmes. Such programmes should cause a decrease in effective population size and/or in genetic diversity of the targeted non-native species and an increase in population genetic structuring over time. We used microsatellite DNA data from American mink (Neovison vison) to determine whether the removal of this predator on the Koster Islands archipelago and the nearby Swedish mainland affected genetic variation over six consecutive years of mink culling by trappers as part of a population control programme. We found that on Koster Islands allelic richness decreased (from on average 4.53 to 3.55), genetic structuring increased, and effective population size did not change. In contrast, the mink population from the Swedish coast showed no changes in genetic diversity or structure, suggesting the stability of this population over 6 years of culling. Effective population size did not change over time but was higher on the coast than on the islands across all years. Migration rates from the islands to the coast were almost two times higher than from the coast to the islands. Most migrants leaving the coast were localised on the southern edge of the archipelago, as expected from the direction of the sea current between the two sites. Genetic monitoring provided valuable information on temporal changes in the population of American mink suggesting that this approach can be used to evaluate and improve control programmes of invasive vertebrates.

Restaurant practices – time, planning, knowledge and dreams

ABSTRACTThis paper contributes to research on restaurant work, which plays an important role in culinary arts research. The aim of this study was to make visible and elucidate the daily work practices in eight small restaurants in a seasonal tourist destination on the Southeast coast of Sweden. The central methods used were observations and participant observations and interviews, along with an e-mail questionnaire and examination of published information concerning all the restaurants. By means of practice theory, three central elements were used to identify and understand the configuration of the activities involved in daily work in small seasonal restaurants. These three elements, knowledge/competence, technologies/materiality and creation of meaning, formed four practices. The practices identified in this study were managing time and seasons; planning, strategising and controlling; knowing and having skills; and dreams and lifestyle. The conclusion of the study indicates that small restaurant practices may be conflicting, as they involve an extremely time-consuming workload, vague planning and lingering knowledge growth in contrast to the ideas of creativity and development that are a part of the restaurant owners’ dreams and lifestyle.

Baltic Sea datums and their unification as a basis for coastal and seabed studies

AbstractThis paper presents examples of application of a common reference datum, such as NAP, within the elevation EVRS reference system for the Baltic Sea. A common reference datum allowed for setting the geographical pattern of occurrence of extreme sea levels in the Baltic Sea. The eastern Baltic coasts exposed to western air masses are vulnerable to extreme hydrological events (the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Bothnia). On the contrary, the Swedish coasts of the central and northern Baltic are the least threatened by extreme sea levels. The south-western coasts of the Baltic Sea (the Bay of Mecklenburg and the Bay of Kiel) cover the basins with the most frequent and the most severe storm falls and extremely low sea levels. Demonstration of the Baltic surface deformation magnitude during a storm event is another example of NAP application. The instantaneous height difference between the north-eastern and southwestern coasts was 356 cm, which resulted from the negative impact of pressure (water cushion) induced by a dynamic and deep low-pressure system moving through the Baltic Sea. The common reference datum allowed for visualization of the so-called “theoretical water” distribution which has a wide application in the hydraulic engineering within the coastal zone. In addition, the study provides examples of differences that may be observed during storm events between the real sea-level data and the hydrodynamic model forecast. This is of great practical significance in terms of forecasting storm surges in the Baltic Sea.

P.O.Janson, B.‐M.Landgren (editors). Gynekologi, 2nd edition. Studentlitteratur, Lund, 2015. 376 pages. ISBN: 978‐91‐09259‐1. Price SEK 663

This Swedish multi-author textbook on gynecology has been well received in Sweden and is now available in a second upgraded edition, partly with new chapters and new authors. It is a traditionally set up book, consisting of narrative with mostly drawings of acceptable quality and some photographic illustrations. It show-cases current thought in Swedish gynecology, although colored by the views of the authors of each chapter (one or two usually), as is expected in a narrative text. In line with this, the references are rather sparse, some are quite old, others are new, with some chapters lacking references to well-known ground-breaking work. The book starts with very well-written chapters on anatomy and physiology and is built up in a traditional way. Not innovative. For a new approach, the second last chapter, on evidence-based gynecology, should have been the first, or one of the first. This would have set the tone for the rest of the book. For a future edition it would be useful to have the evidence base as the nucleus of each chapter and other evidence and best practice considerations for each topic based around this, with a final emphasis on current developments and a look towards front-line advances. As it is, most readers who are not novices in the field will read what they already know. The book was originally aimed at medical students, general practitioners, midwives and nurses, and so it will appeal to those seeking an initiation to gynecology or those who want an overview of the current state of gynecologic practice in Sweden. For the most part, it does not provide the in-depth knowledge needed for a specialist, although some chapters are exceptions. It is too lecture-like and colloquial in parts. The target audience could have been more clearly defined and reflected in the various chapters. There are editorial problems, such as having the figure on page 23 re-published on page 58, and the illustration on uterine anomalies being found in three places, i.e. on pages 31, 74 (not in line with the relevant text on page 75) and 157. Better distinction between primary and secondary amenorrhea would have been good. Although new FIGO terminology is introduced in a good chapter on abnormal uterine bleeding, one wonders if “rikliga menstruationsblödningar” is the right translation of the English term. In the chapter on polycystic ovaries (PCO) it is surprising not to see a typical ultrasound picture of a multi-cystic PCO ovary even if a schematic drawing on page 102 is illustrative. More summary and schematic information in overview tables would have been a benefit here. In the chapter on ovarian cancer there is nothing on centralization of services and no mention of positron emission tomography. This is, however, rightly done in the chapter on endometriosis, where the importance of a team approach is also discussed. But in general, the gynecologic oncology and urology chapters are well written, as are chapters on violence against women, female circumcision and psychosomatic aspects. The book is none the less easy reading. It will be useful for medical students and for a young doctor taking her or his first steps in the specialty and wanting a good orientation on what it entails. The established gynecologist can also derive benefit by taking it along to the summerhouse on the Swedish coast or to the family cabin in the forest by a lake where a week of studying it by the log fire or in the summer warmth on the balcony will be well spent.

Development of SNP and microsatellite markers for goldsinny wrasse (Ctenolabrus rupestris) from ddRAD sequencing data

Wrasse (Labridae) species have been used as parasite cleaners in Atlantic salmon farming since the 1980s. However, their use has recently escalated, with millions now being introduced into salmon cages each year. Most fish are of wild origin, their exploitation potentially impacting native populations. Genetic information is urgently required to inform management decisions. We identified 174 microsatellite and 149 SNP markers from ddRAD sequence data. From these, 17 and 48 microsatellite and SNP markers, respectively, were validated by genotyping 150 goldsinny wrasse collected from five locations along the Norwegian and Swedish coasts. Two to 30 alleles were identified at the microsatellite loci, while gene diversity (H e ) ranged 0.101–0.907. All SNP loci were biallelic, with averaged H e per locus ranging between 0.063 and 0.495.

Motivational segments for trips along the high coast byway of Sweden: a study of local leisure excursions and domestic holidaymaking

ABSTRACTThis on-site study investigated local leisure travellers’ and domestic tourists’ motivations for taking summer trips along the High Coast of Sweden, a byway designated with brown signage as a national tourism route, responding to a dearth of research on why people are motivated to use scenic byways. Non-local Swedish leisure travellers at selected locations along the byway were asked to fill in self-completion questionnaires and hand them back to the project staff. The most emphasised motivations for taking this trip were “getting away from everyday life”, “beautiful view from the road”, and “interesting landscape”. Based on factor analysis, three motivational patterns were identified: (1) sightseeing and outdoor life; (2) getting away and travelling around; and (3) a quick route to family and friends. The route attracted a large proportion of local and regional repeaters with ties to the area through family and friends and/or second homes; only 18% were on their first visit. There were considerable motivational differences between those people who were going to a second home in the area and other visitors. Among travellers who did not visit a second home, there were few motivational differences between day-trippers and persons with overnight stay(s), corroborating blurred distinctions between excursionists and tourists. The large proportions of local and regional visitors indicated that extra-regional route promotion may be improved.

Pollutant Concentrations and Toxic Effects on the Red Alga Ceramium tenuicorne of Sediments from Natural Harbors and Small Boat Harbors on the West Coast of Sweden.

This investigation set out to analyze the toxicity of surface sediments in a number of natural harbors and small boat harbors on the west coast of Sweden. This was done with the growth inhibition method with Ceramium tenuicorne. Also, concentrations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), irgarol, organotin compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sediments were analyzed. The small boat harbors were heavily polluted by Cu, Zn, butyltins, and PAHs, and to a lesser extent by Pb. The Cu, Pb, Zn, and butyltins probably originated from their past and/or present use in antifouling paints, whereas the PAHs probably had multiple sources, including boat motor exhausts. The measured toxicity of the sediment was generally related to their Cu, Zn, and butyltin content, although other toxic substances than those analyzed here probably contributed to the toxicity in some of the harbors. The natural harbor sediments contained less pollutants and were less toxic than the small boat harbor sediments. Nevertheless, our data indicate that the boating pressure today may be high enough to produce toxic effects even in natural harbors in pristine areas. The strongest relationship between toxicity and the major pollutants was obtained when the sediment toxicity was expressed as gram wet weight per liter compared with gram dry weight per liter and gram total organic carbon per liter. Hence, for pollutants that can be elutriated with natural sea water, sediment toxicity expressed as gram wet weight per liter appears preferable.

Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Seal Influenza A(H10N7) Virus in Harbor Seals and Gray Seals from the Netherlands.

In the spring and summer 2014, an outbreak of seal influenza A(H10N7) virus infection occurred among harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) off the coasts of Sweden and Denmark. This virus subsequently spread to harbor seals off the coasts of Germany and the Netherlands. While thousands of seals were reported dead in Sweden, Denmark and Germany, only a limited number of seals were found dead in the Netherlands. To determine the extent of exposure of seals in the Netherlands to influenza A/H10N7 virus, we measured specific antibody titers in serum samples from live-captured seals and seals admitted for rehabilitation in the Netherlands by use of a hemagglutination inhibition assay and an ELISA. In harbor seals in 2015, antibodies against seal influenza A(H10N7) virus were detected in 41% (32 out of 78) pups, 10% (5 out of 52) weaners, and 58% (7 out of 12) subadults or adults. In gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) in 2015, specific antibodies were not found in the pups (n = 26), but in 26% (5 out of 19) of the older animals. These findings indicate that, despite apparent low mortality, infection with seal influenza A(H10N7) virus was geographically widespread and also occurred in grey seals.

A new Hymedesmia (Demospongiae, Poecilosclerida) with large sigmas off western Sweden

Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) lindstroemae sp. nov. collected at 178–210 m depth off the western Swedish coast is described. This encrusting sponge is notably characterized by its unusually large sigmas. This new species brings the number of Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) species in Swedish waters to 30. A key for all the North Atlantic Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) species with sigmas (32 species) is included.

Immunological responses in the mussel Mytilus trossulus transplanted at the coastline of the northern Baltic Sea

The applicability of immune responses in transplanted Baltic blue mussels (Mytilus trossulus) as biomarkers of immunotoxic effects was studied at differently contaminated locations in the Gulf of Bothnia (northern Baltic Sea). Here, we present a detailed report on the immune responses measured as complementary part of transplantation study by Turja et al. (2014).Various immunological endpoints such as total and differential cell count, morphological alterations, phagocytic activity, and caspase 3/7 activity of mussel haemocytes as well as haemolytic activity of the haemolymph were used. Mussels collected at a reference site at a Finnish coastal site (Hanko, H) were transplanted at the Swedish coast near industrial and urban regions of the cities Sundsvall (S1, S2) and Gävle (G1, G2), respectively. Based on the measured immunological responses, multivariate statistical analysis (PCA biplot) showed a clear separation of the most polluted site S1, indicating immunotoxic impacts of the mixture of contaminants present at this location. Based on these observations and results from Turja et al. (2014), we suggest the implementation of immunotoxic biomarkers for the evaluation of ecosystem health. However, these should be accompanied by complementary endpoints of biological effects encompassing i.e., physiological, antioxidant and bioenergetic markers.

Integrated use of LiDAR and multibeam bathymetry reveals onset of ice streaming in the northern Bothnian Sea

Geomorphological mapping from the new LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)-derived digital elevation model for Sweden and a high-resolution multibeam bathymetry data-set for the Gulf of Bothnia reveals a continuous system of glacial landforms crossing the transition between the modern terrestrial and marine environments. A palaeo-ice stream in the northern Bothnian Sea is reconstructed, with an onset tributary over the present-day Ångermanland–Västerbotten coastline. Systematic contrasts in landform morphology and lineation length indicate that this ice stream comprised a relatively narrow (∼40 km) corridor of fast flow, flowing first SW then S, and likely fed by converging flow around the upper Bothnian Sea. The geometry and landform associations of this system imply that ice, at the time period represented here, did not flow across the Gulf of Bothnia: SSE-ward ice flow indicators on the northern Swedish coast do not correspond directly with landform assemblages of the large SE-oriented Finnish deglacial lobes. Instead, we suggest they may contribute to a late-stage fast-flow event to the S and SW. Multibeam bathymetry data offer entirely new access into the rich, landform-scale geomorphological record on the seafloor of the Gulf of Bothnia. The combination of offshore multibeam with the new terrestrial LiDAR data provides unprecedented insight into and renewed understanding of the glacial dynamics of the Bothnian Sea sector of the Fennoscandian Ice Sheet, hitherto interpreted over large areas of unmapped ice sheet bed.

Complete genome sequence of Vibrio anguillarum strain NB10, a virulent isolate from the Gulf of Bothnia.

Vibrio anguillarum causes a fatal hemorrhagic septicemia in marine fish that leads to great economical losses in aquaculture world-wide. Vibrio anguillarum strain NB10 serotype O1 is a Gram-negative, motile, curved rod-shaped bacterium, isolated from a diseased fish on the Swedish coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, and is slightly halophilic. Strain NB10 is a virulent isolate that readily colonizes fish skin and intestinal tissues. Here, the features of this bacterium are described and the annotation and analysis of its complete genome sequence is presented. The genome is 4,373,835 bp in size, consists of two circular chromosomes and one plasmid, and contains 3,783 protein-coding genes and 129 RNA genes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40793-015-0060-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.