The Baltic Sea Research Programme

The objective of the Baltic Sea Research Programme is to develop ecologically, socially and economically sustainable prerequisites for the use of fish and game resources of the Baltic Sea and its coastal areas in today’s changing conditions. The results produced in the research programme will also help us make a positive impact on the status of the Baltic Sea.

Photo: Plugi / Tuomas Heinonen

Fishing and hunting are among the primary activities which use natural resources in the Baltic Sea and its coastal areas. The changes in the status of the Baltic Sea and its ecosystems are causing problems in the sustainable use of the fish and game resources. The major problems and threats relating to the status of the Baltic Sea include eutrophication, predicted climate change, various building projects planned for coastal areas and shallows, and the increasing amount of oil transport. Many environmentally-harmful substances are also a particular threat.

The Baltic Sea Research Programme operates on the coastal and archipelago areas of the northern Baltic Sea, where environmental changes occur. It focuses in the impact on fish, seal and sea bird populations. The improvement of the viability of coastal fisheries also features prominently in the Programme.

The Research Programme covers the years 2010-2016. An effort has been made to focus research activities on topical issues, while also aiming to anticipate future research needs.

The themes of the Research Programme are:

• The grey seal, the cormorant and fisheries
• The prerequisites for effective fishery on coastal cyprinids
• Mapping of fish reproduction areas
• Harmful substances and ecotoxicology
• The status of the Baltic Sea, impacts and monitoring methods

More information:

Antti Lappalainen
Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute

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