Projects
BalticWaters carries out large-scale environmental projects to show that change is possible and how it can be done. The projects are funded through donations from individuals, organisations and universities and are implemented by BalticWaters itself and together with universities, organisations and institutions. BalticWaters also develops and disseminates knowledge about the Baltic Sea environment to the general public, governmental authorities and decision-makers. The aim is to increase knowledge about the challenges facing the sea and build opinion so that decisions are taken, and measures implemented.
The foundation’s projects also aim to contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13: Climate Action, Goal 14: Life Below Water, and Goal 15: Life on Land.
Large-scale environmental projects
ReCod – release of small cod in the Baltic Sea 
ReCod – release of small cod in the Baltic Sea
The ReCod project aims to test if it is possible to increase the number of small cod in the Baltic Sea with restocking, as a step towards strengthening the stocks.
Thriving bays 
Thriving bays
The purpose of the Living bays project is to try to show that it is possible to improve the environment in shallow bays and develop knowledge about how it can be done in a cost-effective way.
Research- and information projects
Where and when do herring spawn in the Stockholm archipelago? 
Where and when do herring spawn in the Stockholm archipelago?
The aim of the project is to build knowledge about where and when herring spawn and how the entire stock is structured in the Stockholm archipelago.
When will eutrophication problems affect the Bothnian Bay? 
When will eutrophication problems affect the Bothnian Bay?
The Gulf of Bothnia has so far been spared the harmful effects of eutrophication, but the latest findings suggest that phosphorus levels are on the rise.
Optimising the release of cod larvae 
Optimising the release of cod larvae
Using controlled experiments, researchers at DTU will investigate the appropriate stage of development for releasing cod larvae.
Has large-scale fishing reduced herring stocks in the inner archipelago? 
Has large-scale fishing reduced herring stocks in the inner archipelago?
To determine whether large-scale fishing in coastal areas in recent years has reduced herring stocks in the archipelago, current and historical data must be compared.
The impact of large-scale trawling on coastal ecosystems 
The impact of large-scale trawling on coastal ecosystems
How does large-scale industrial herring fishing affect other species in the sea? For the first time, this is to be investigated using scientific methods.
A book about the Baltic Sea – how did we get here? A book about the Baltic Sea – how did we get here?
Science journalist Henrik Hamrén is to investigate why the Baltic Sea is not being used more sustainably, and compile the findings into a book.
Where does the carbon stored in the Baltic Sea’s sediments come from? 
Where does the carbon stored in the Baltic Sea’s sediments come from?
The project aims to investigate the sources of the carbon being deposited in the Baltic Sea, and the findings could provide a vital piece of the puzzle for the sustainable management of our sea.
Collaborative projects
CLUPEA 
CLUPEA
The research project CLUPEA investigates the genetic adaptation of herring to the Baltic Sea and what climate change means for the species.
DYNAMITE 
DYNAMITE
DYNAMITE takes a holistic approach to providing decision-making support that strengthens the public sector’s ability to make sustainable decisions for a thriving ocean – both today and in the future.
Completed projects
Circular NP – Better nutrient cycle for animal manure 
Circular NP – Better nutrient cycle for animal manure
The project will develop and test new techniques to harness plant nutrients in animal manure and develop a competitive biological fertilizer.
Sustainable business models for coastal fishing 
Sustainable business models for coastal fishing
How can coastal fishing in the Baltic Sea become competitive whilst at the same time managing the sea’s fish stocks?
Herring in the Stockholm archipelago 
Herring in the Stockholm archipelago
The herring stock in the Baltic Sea comprises a variety of populations. As part of the project, researchers will be taking a closer look at the herring in the Stockholm archipelago.
Analysis of herring and sprat stock structure 
Analysis of herring and sprat stock structure
The project aims to provide knowledge that will enable more sustainable management of herring and sprat in the Baltic Sea.
How does bottom trawling affect the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon? How does bottom trawling affect the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon?
Sediment-covered seabeds in the Baltic Sea can play an important role as carbon sinks. At the same time, trawling takes place on these seabeds. New global studies estimate that disturbance of the seabed caused by trawling may impair carbon storage by stirring up and resuspending sediments. Researchers at Stockholm University will investigate the effects of bottom trawling on carbon turnover in the Baltic Sea.
Increase knowledge about herring and sprat Increase knowledge about herring and sprat
The project is investigating the age and lifespan of herring and sprat in order to improve our understanding of the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
Stand up for the Baltic Sea! 
Stand up for the Baltic Sea!
Can stand-up comedy be an effective way of communicating science so that people become interested and understand it better?
How do oxygen depletion and parasites affect cod growth? How do oxygen depletion and parasites affect cod growth?
The aim of the project is to investigate how oxygen depletion and parasites, both individually and in combination, affect the growth of Baltic cod.
Hanö Cod Reef Hanö Cod Reef
The hope is that creating artificial reefs will improve conditions for cod in Hanö Bay.
Analysis of cod food intake 
Analysis of cod food intake
The project aims to analyse the causes of the decline in Baltic cod stocks, as well as their reduced growth and poorer health.
Homing behaviour in herring stocks along the east coast 
Homing behaviour in herring stocks along the east coast
The project aims to analyse the home-range fidelity of herring stocks along the Svealand coast.
Water quality monitoring for improved evaluation of the effects of measures and climate change 
Water quality monitoring for improved evaluation of the effects of measures and climate change
The aim of the project is to assess the impact of measures such as structural liming, wetlands and two-stage ditches on water quality.
RoC – Return of the Cod 
RoC – Return of the Cod
The project aims to identify and compile appropriate measures to restore cod stocks in the Baltic Sea and to communicate the results to the relevant stakeholders.
The impact of horse husbandry on eutrophication 
The impact of horse husbandry on eutrophication
The project aims to generate new knowledge about how heavily used and trampled paddocks affect the aquatic environment. The project will provide a scientific basis for encouraging action on horse farms.