Is there a Baltic Sea in balance?
A common pitfall is to talk about achieving a Baltic Sea in ‘balanced’, a description that several scientists strongly advise against using. But why is that? What is wrong with wanting a Baltic Sea, and other environments, in balance? Because ecosystems are not balanced – they are complex and dynamic. Believing that there is a […]
Significant events in 2023, and what can we expect in 2024?
It’s challenging to put words to the past year. Perhaps the word ‘turbulent’ is appropriate? While the political unwillingness to take strong measures to protect the fish in the Baltic Sea continues, we are convinced that new knowledge will make it difficult for decision-makers to turn a blind eye. Therefore, our projects and knowledge-building programs […]
Policy document: How to preserve the Baltic Sea coasts as valuable carbon sinks
Our inland sea is a key player in climate action, sequestering large amounts of carbon dioxide in sediments and vegetation, especially along the coasts, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. However, coastal ecosystems are severely affected by disturbances such as eutrophication, overfishing and exploitation. Strengthening the ability of ecosystems to store carbon and […]
Baltic Sea Brief 61: 2024 fishing year is crucial after a dismal 2023
The fishpopulations in the Baltic Sea are not doing well. In the central Baltic Sea, herring stocks continue to decline and in the Gulf of Bothnia, fishing needs to be reduced by 80 per cent for decades to bring back the large herring. The sprat is also showing signs of problems with the lowest recruitment […]
Deepdive: How did the herring end up on the Christmas table?
Food culture expert Richard Tellström explains how the herring ended up on our christmas food table.
Are the dead zones in the Baltic sea really dead?
BalticWaters has looked at what hides in the dead zones of the Baltic Sea and found some positive news.
Deep dive: Herring policy across the border – Sweden vs Finland part 3
Swedish and Finnish policies differ in their approach to fisheries management in the Baltic Sea. BalticWaters takes a closer look at why.
Thesis on the importance of zooplankton when releasing cod larvae
In what types of environments does zooplankton thrive? This is something Amanda Janssonas has taken a closer look at in their thesis conducted within the framework of the project ReCod.
Can you fish nutrients out of the Baltic Sea?
It is argued in several places that fishing removes nitrogen and phosphorus from the sea, thereby helping to combat eutrophication in the Baltic Sea. This is an argument often used by the fishing industry and can also be found, for example, on the website of the Finnish Natural Resources Institute. It was also one of […]
Deep Dive: Herring Policy Across Borders – Sweden vs Finland
The researchers in Finland do not believe that a fishing ban on herring is necessary. Instead, they want to focus on combating eutrophication and improving coastal environments. Swedish researchers, on the other hand, are concerned about the high fishing pressure and advocate for a zero quota.
