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Research Baltic Sea 2020 believes that knowledge is a platform for action, and always makes sure that all projects are based on best available knowledge. If gaps in knowledge are found, this can motivate support for further research or applied research projects.
FishThe Baltic Sea states have collaborated to improve the marine environment for more than 30 years, but the fish in the Baltic Sea have never been part of that work. Current research shows that the loss of predators high up in the food chain of an ecosystem, such as seal or cod, can lead to chain reactions. It is likely that the decreasing Baltic cod population has led to more extensive eutrophication effects and contributed to the loss of perch and pike along the Swedish coast.
The future of the cod fishery hinges on the cod population –an issue which affects the environment as well as fishermen. Sustainable populations are necessary for the fishing industry to survive in the long run, and the Baltic Sea environment needs predator fish to curb eutrophication.
Today the EU regulates fishing and therefore fish stocks. The regulations are heavily influenced by member states that are more concerned with promoting the fishing industry than appreciating the value of fish as a part of the Baltic Sea environment.
EutrophicationSince the 1940s, discharge of the most important nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, has doubled, leading to extensive ecological changes. Nearly all human activity – farming, households, transports – add nutrients to the sea.
Nutrients cause eutrophication. This leads to increased growth of organisms such as phytoplankton. The amount of organic material in the water increases, triggering several physical, chemical and biological changes in the plant and animal populations, leading to dead sea bottoms.
MediaThe inhabitants of the Baltic Sea region care about the sea, but few realise how their lives and actions affect the marine environment, or what they can do to reduce that impact. Developments in the area of media makes it possible to raise the public’s awareness via newspaper articles, the internet, film, television and more.
In addition to raising public awareness, it is crucial to make politicians and decision makers in the Baltic Sea region aware of issues and measures that will improve the mainre environment. Many of the changes needed to curb environmental problems can only be achieved through political effort and changes in laws and regulations.
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