Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea region is characterised by areas of low oxygen concentration, historically high contaminant and nutrient levels, and significant interaction between fisheries and marine mammals.

SEAwise has examined how commercially-important fish stocks including cod, herring, and sprat) are impacted by changes in environmental and ecological conditions, and evaluated how such changes could alter the wider environmental impacts derived from fisheries. We have also worked to predict changes in fisheries’ carbon emissions, fishing-related litter, seafloor impacts, and the accidental capture of marine wildlife.

EBFM IN THE BALTIC SEA

Management structures in the Baltic Sea must be adapted to mitigate these challenges in the context of wider ecosystem interactions, while accounting for the additional complexity presented by invasive species and the unprecedented rate of warming in the area.

SEAwise has tested the potential effects of different management strategies on the above, including under varying climate scenarios. This will ensure that research outputs, and eventual management advice, are resilient to climate change.