Thursday, 22 August
11:15 – 12:45
De Geer lecture hall

Building university-based boundary organisations that facilitate impacts on environmental policy and practice

Marie Löf, Stockholm University, Sweden, marie.lof@su.se

Christopher Cvitanovic, Australian National University; CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Hobart, Australia; University of Tasmania, Australia; Albert Norström, Stockholm University, Sweden; Mark Reed, Newcastle University, UK

We present an evaluation of the Baltic Eye Project at Stockholm University–a unique team of researchers, science communicators, journalists & policy analysts–working collectively to support evidence-informed decision-making for a sustainable management of the Baltic Sea. Our results provide guidance to other research organisations to increase their capacity to achieve impacts on policy & practice.

Responding to modern day environmental challenges necessitates the integration of science into policy and practice. This has spurred the development of novel institutional structures among research organisations aimed at enhancing the impact of environmental science on policy and practice. Through qualitative interviews, we evaluated the Baltic Eye Project at Stockholm University – a unique team consisting of researchers from different fields, science communicators, journalists and policy analysts – working collectively to support evidence-informed decision-making relating to the sustainable management of the Baltic Sea environment. Results show that despite only operating for three years, the Baltic Eye Project has achieved demonstrable impacts on policy and practice, but also on other levels. We also identified a range of barriers that have limited impacts to date. Finally, we identified the key features of university-based boundary organisations that have impact on policy and practice. In doing so we provide empirically-derived guidance to help other research organisations increase their capacity to achieve tangible impacts on environmental policy and practice.

Assessing ocean health and recovery

Thorsten Blenckner, Stockholm University, thorsten.Blenckner@su.se

Julie Lowndes, NCEAS; Andrea Belgrano, SLU; Christopher Boström, Åbo Academi University; Jennifer Griffiths, US; Ning Jang, NCEAS; Henn Ojaveer, Estonian Marine Institute; Christian Möllmann, University of Hamburg; Stefan Neuenfeldt, DTU Aqua; Jens Olsson, SLU

Assessment tools are required that include a social-ecological dimension with linked human and biophysical components that equally considers ecological, economic, and social objectives. We present the results of the Baltic Health Index for the whole Baltic Sea, which is based on the global Ocean Health Index approach. Several management priorities will be highlighted and discussed.

Open oceans and coastal areas resources play an essential role in human well-being and are under high pressure with multiple and cumulative drivers affecting these ecosystem functioning, and the services they provide across scales. Under these circumstances’ assessment tools are required that include a social-ecological dimension with linked human and biophysical components that equally considers ecological, economic, and social objectives. We calculated the Baltic Health Index for the whole Baltic Sea, which is based on the global Ocean Health Index approach. The aim is to measure progress towards a suite of key societal ‘goals’ representing the benefits and services people expect healthy oceans to provide: food provision, fishing opportunities, natural products, coastal protection, tourism, carbon storage, coastal livelihoods, sense of place, clean waters and biodiversity. The results will be discussed in the context of the recovery potential and in which way novel conditions may influence the recovery pathway of some of the goals.

Application of the ecosystem-based approach in Baltic Sea marine policies

Lena Bergström, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and HELCOM, lena.bergstrom@slu.se

Heini Ahtiainen, Natural Resources Institute Finland and HELCOM; Monika Stankiewicz, HELCOM (Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission); Soile Oinonen, Finnish Environment Institute

Application of the ecosystem-based approach is a continued overarching objective in marine policy. Implementation, among other things, requires that the relationships between ecosystems and socio-economic systems are established. Based on recent work at the Baltic Sea scale, we address the strength of these linkages in present environmental management and identify key steps forward.

The ecosystem-based approach is globally advocated as the primary framework of the CBD. It is embraced in key marine policies for the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltic Sea Action Plan, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Marine Spatial Planning Directive. However, despite its major role, operationalization of the ecosystem-based approach presents challenges.

We present recent steps taken in projects at the Baltic Sea scale, focusing on the interlinkages between ecological and socio-economic systems. Departing from an analytical framework, we outline the relationships expected to occur between human activities, pressures, the status of species and habitats, ecosystem services and human wellbeing, and how these are presently considered in recurrent policy of relevance for the Baltic Sea. Feedback loops are included by showing how different adaptive responses can take place to improve the state of the sea, or as expenses to society resulting from losses. Further, we show examples to evaluate the current data and knowledge situation in relation to the model, suggest key next steps and the potential contributions of such improvements.

Developing ecosystem-based management of the Baltic Sea – Swedish experiences

Sofia A. Wikström, Stockholm University, sofia.wikstrom@su.se

Matilda Valman, Stockholm University; Gustaf Almqvist, Stockholm University; Thorsten Blenckner, Stockholm University; Örjan Bodin, Stockholm University; Annika Nilsson, Uppsala University; Henrik Österblom, Stockholm University

The complex interplay of anthropogenic pressures calls for a more integrated management of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, including a better integration of conservation and fisheries management. Such integration is challenging, but we can learn from projects and initiatives that are taking steps in the right direction.

Recent advances in our understanding of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, and how it is influenced by the interacting effects of eutrophication and fisheries, points to the need for an integrated ecosystem management across traditional management scales and sectors. However, such integration is challenging in practice. We performed a literature survey and structured interviews to identify challenges and opportunities in the practical implementation of the ecosystem approach to marine and coastal management in Sweden. The identified challenges ranges from lack of common or congruent goals to unclear responsibilities and lack of resources. However, there are also several examples of increased integration across sectors and scales. Based on the results, we discuss development needs for policy and management to move towards a better integration of conservation and fisheries management in the Baltic Sea.

The role of water quality for local environmental policy implementation

Erik Brockwell, Södertörn University, erik.brockwell@sh.se

Katarina Elofsson, Södertörn University

The objective of this study is to examine the role of surface water quality for the decisions by Swedish municipalities to adopt environmental targets and action plans as well as allocating these decisions to a responsible authority.

We assess how environmental, socioeconomic, and political factors, as well as the availability of environmental expertise, affect these municipal decisions.

The objective of this study is to examine the role of surface water quality for the decisions by Swedish municipalities to adopt environmental targets and action plans as well as allocating these decisions to a responsible authority. To this end, we assess how environmental, socioeconomic, and political factors, as well as the availability of environmental expertise, affect these municipal decisions. Questionnaire data from the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKL), in combination with environmental monitoring data and official statistics, are used for the econometric analysis. Results show that: (i) municipalities with bad water quality, larger coastal length, and higher income are more inclined to adopt local policies, (ii) collaboration with interest groups increases the likelihood to adopt local policies, and (iii) municipalities with high Center Party representation tend to set responsibility of environmental policy with the municipal council board.

Towards an integrated model-based assessment of scenarios for the North-Western European Shelf

Rene Friedland, Joint Research Centre, rene.friedland@ec.europa.eu

Adolf Stips, Joint Research Centre

To support the assessment of measures addressing the anthropogenic pressures of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), a coupled biogeochemical 3d-model of the North-Western European Shelf is presented. It is further combined with several freshwater models of JRC and enhanced to a European-wide scenario-generation tool.

To support the assessment of measures addressing the anthropogenic pressures of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), a coupled biogeochemical 3d-model of the North-Western European Shelf (NWES) was developed. It comprises of GETM and ERSEM. A broad calibration using a wide range of recent observations revealed that the NWES-model is suitable to run scenario simulations. To become able to test the effects of a large variety of land-based measures, an integrated tool-kit for the freshwater and marine environment was established. This was further enhanced to a European-wide scenario-generation tool (https://blue2.deltares.nl/blue2/index.htm), which allows the users to run their own scenarios regarding water savings, reduction of nutrient loads or contaminants and study the cost-effectiveness.

Friday, 23 August
11:15 – 13:00
Aula Magna right hall

Improving practices for spatial data analysis in Maritime Spatial Planning

Tua Nylén, University of Turku, tua.nylen@utu.fi

Harri Tolvanen, University of Turku; Meeli Roose, University of Turku; Anne Erkkilä-Välimäki, Brahea Centre at the University of Turku, Centre for Maritime Studies

MSP aims at economic growth and well-being while improving environmental status. It requires accurate information on spatial patterns and trends. Important decisions are made when producing seemingly objective results and maps. Our study reviewed the process of utilizing spatial data in MSP. We present a model for the process, describing a systematic workflow and highlighting main issues.

Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) is centered on a strategy for maximizing economic growth and social well-being while improving marine environmental status. Thus, in addition to past trends and current patterns, the expected climate change effects are to be accounted for in the planning process. Many important decisions on spatial data and methods need to be made in the process of producing seemingly objective results and maps. Our study reviewed the process of utilizing spatial data in MSP. We will present a model for the spatial data process in MSP, describing a systematic workflow and highlighting the main issues needing to be resolved for reaching as objective, transparent, inclusive and informative results as possible. The points include ensuring the relevance of environmental data, acquiring data of the actual distribution of human activities in the sea, pursuing extensive systematic survey data, incorporating 3D and temporal patterns in the analysis when appropriate, highlighting the role of metadata, visualizing uncertainty on maps and developing a coherent spatial analysis workflow. The review was prepared during a three-year cross-border collaboration project Plan4Blue.

IMAGINE - Implications of Alternative Management Strategies on Marine Green Infrastructure

Antonia Nyström Sandman, AquaBiota Water Research, antonia.sandman@aquabiota.se

Per Bergström, University of Gothenburg; Ulf Bergström, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Anna Christiernsson, Stockholm University; Frida Gidhagen Fyhr, AquaBiota Water Research; Ronny Fredriksson, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Patrik Kraufvelin, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Mats Lindegarth, University of Gothenburg; Hedvig Hogfors, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management

The aim of Marine Green Infrastructure (MGI) is to create a coherent network of habitats to ensure long-term maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services. IMAGINE is a three-year research project focusing on how to integrate a landscape perspective in marine management and decision making by analysing scenarios of human pressures and subsequent changes in ecosystem functions.

Marine green infrastructure (MGI) can be defined as a coherent network of habitats, designed and managed to maintain biodiversity and ensure long-term ability to deliver ecosystem services. Marine ecosystems are however strongly impacted by a variety of human activities and pressures. Protection and development of MGI requires good information on spatial distribution of ecosystem functions, the services they generate and their response to different pressures and management strategies.

IMAGINE is a three-year research project focusing on how to integrate a landscape perspective in marine management and decision making. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration between experts in ecology and law, IMAGINE has explored scenarios of coastal exploitation, fishing, climate change and eutrophication in two study areas in Sweden. The impact of those pressures on MGI in relation to different management strategies has been analysed by (1) identifying ecological values under existing conditions and under future scenarios; (2) identifying plausible scenarios; and (3) assessing management goals of MGI and the potential of legal planning and nature protection instruments in achieving those goals.

Multi-step model to establish the roles of scientists and politicians in creating spatial data for MSP

Meeli Roose, University of Turku, meroos@utu.fi

Tapio Suominen, University of Turku; Anne Erkkilä-Välimäki, University of Turku; Harri Tolvanen, University of Turku; Tua Nylén, University of Turku

Well-defined spatial data is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management. Successful decision-making is based on the interaction between the producers and analysts of the data (i.e. scientist) and those who prepare and make decisions (planners and politicians). We present an operations model for producing spatial information for decision-making. It builds on distinct roles and a clear workflow.

Well-defined spatial data is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management processes. The significance of spatial information will grow in the Baltic Sea in future, e.g. for the management of blue growth initiatives and Maritime Spatial Planning. Sound and transparent decision-making processes are based on predetermined workflows and interaction between the producers and analysts of the data (i.e. scientist) and those who prepare and make decisions (i.e. planners and politicians). We have developed an operations model to produce spatial information for decision-making purposes. This model defines the roles and responsibilities of scientists and decision-makers and presents a systematic workflow. The model includes all types of spatial data, from field measurements to the subjective estimations of the socio-economic issues. It consists of four stages, each involving appropriate actors: producing priority maps for activities, identifying interactions of activities, identifying spatial interactions of activities, and optimizing sea use. Data usability and maintenance for different purposes in the long-run, and the roles of EU and states in implementation are included in the model.

Using a BowTie Approach for policy risk assessment in marine planning

Andreas Kannen, HZG, Andreas.Kannen@hzg.de

Roland Cormier, HZG

Effective environmental management relies on managing human activities by implementation of management practices operating under voluntary conformity, industry sector standards or legislative compliance. The presentation will discuss an approach using the BowTie framework based on ISO standards for policy risk assessment in marine planning contexts.

As highlighted in several scientific publications, effective environmental management does not simply rely on science underpinning and a participative planning process to address the sustainability concerns of stakeholders. It relies on managing human activities by implementing management practices and operates under voluntary conformity, industry sector standards or legislative compliance. In this presentation we will showcase and discuss an approach using the BowTie structure and framework for policy risk assessment in marine environmental and maritime spatial planning contexts using examples from Canada, illustrating how this approach could be applied in the context of the MSFD for ecological risk assessments and its value for assessing socio-cultural risks in the context of maritime spatial planning. The approach is based on ISO standards for risk assessments and is designed to bridge between scientific input and structure on one hand and practical requirements of planners on the other. It links human pressures to marine systems with ecosystem components as affected elements and the potential loss or reduction of ecosystem services as a consequence risk management failures.

MOSAIC – a new framework to facilitate an ecosystem based and adaptive spatial management at multiple scales of governance

Hedvig Hogfors, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, hedvig.hogfors@havochvatten.se

Frida Gidhagen Fyhr, AquaBiota Water Research; Antonia Nyström Sandman, AquaBiota Water Research

A framework called MOSAIC is prepared to become a Swedish guideline. By merging different perspectives, coherent networks of ecologically important areas are identified in a step-by-step process. The use of predefined biotic ecosystem components is a key feature to minimize subjectivity of assessments and to follow changes over time. MOSAIC has been tested by scientific experts and county boards.

A framework called MOSAIC is prepared to become a Swedish national guideline. The objective is to facilitate a functional, ecosystem based and adaptive approach to marine spatial management (e.g. protected areas, coastal zone management and marine spatial planning) at different, but integrative, scales of governance. Based on CBD-criteria, it serves as a practical step-by-step tool to identify coherent networks of ecologically important areas, which can be used to support informed trade-off decisions. The framework has been tested and used by two county administrative boards and by a scientific cross-disciplinary study involving experts in both ecology and law.

MOSAIC is designed to merge different perspectives. To enable incorporation of new knowledge, to follow changes over time, to minimize subjectivity of assessments and to be transparent. A key feature is the use of predefined biotic ecosystem components. Lists of components and their associated values has been assessed trough several processes, including several workshops with scientific experts in marine ecology. Moreover, the framework is designed to include complex spatial analyses and detailed site-specific information.

Drivers and Barriers for Phosphorus Reuse in the Baltic Sea Region

Karina Barquet, SEI, karina.barquet@sei.org

Biljana Macura, SEI; Järnberg Linn, SEI; Arno Rosmarin, SEI

This study sheds light on the policy and governance barriers and opportunities affecting the development, choice and implementation of innovations for phosphorus (P) reuse, including technologies and practices in the agriculture and wastewater treatment sectors. Results show interest in P reuse is gaining traction in the EU but remains to be mainstreamed at national levels and broadly in society.

This study sheds light on the major policy and governance barriers and opportunities affecting the development, choice and implementation of innovations for phosphorus (P) reuse, including technologies and practices in the agriculture and wastewater treatment sectors. The study raises concerns on the focus upon one single type of technology, which risks crowding out other promising options and may lead to a lock-in into a sub-optimal system. The study suggests there is a need to mainstream circular economy across society and governance structures; to simplify the legal framework for reused P products in the EU; to enforce sustainable solutions that ensure circularity in public procurement; support testbeds for circular solutions in municipalities; promote new business models with increased collaboration between waste water treatment plants (a source of P), fertilizer companies (a potential client for reused P), and farmers (potential end-users of recycled P) is needed to achieve circular P economy.

Port State Control Strategy for Reducing the Impact of Ships' Ballast Water Utilizing an Expert Opinions Based Risk Model

Ta-Kang Liu, National Cheng Kung University, tkliu@mail.ncku.edu.tw

Sergej Olenin, Klaipeda University; Muhan Cheng, National Cheng Kung University

Port state control (PSC) strategy for reducing the impact of ships' ballast water was established using a model developed by experts from Baltic region and Taiwan. The model requires more detailed information of the ship or environmental factor. It can be used to target the high risk vessels for PSC inspection so the resources for management can be effectively reduced.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted “International Convention on the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments” in 2004, with the aim to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP). The Convention enters into force on September 8, 2017. Taiwan as a global hub for marine transportation with frequent shipping, so following the global standards to implement the ballast water management is necessary. However, insufficient information regarding to the risk of vessels related to ballast water will become a problem for implementing port state control (PSC).

Based on a risk assessment model developed by experts from Baltic region and Taiwan, a two-stage risk assessment for the incoming vessels to the port of Kaohsiung was analyzed. According to the results of this study, an average of about 1.2 high-risk vessels visited the port of Kaohsiung each day during the study. The model requires more detailed information of the ship or environmental factor. It can be used to target the high risk vessels for PSC inspection so the resources for management can be effectively reduced.

Posters, session 5

Thursday, 22 August
17:00 – 19:00
Aula Magna floor 5

Climate change additions to cumulative impact assessment in Swedish marine waters

Elin Almroth-Rosell, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, elin.almroth.rosell@smhi.se

Matthias Gröger, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (presenter); Linus Hammar, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management; Duncan Hume, Geological Survey of Sweden; Per Jonsson, University of Gothenburg; Jonas Pålsson, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management; Oscar Törnqvist, Geological Survey of Sweden; Iréne Wåhlström, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Ye Liu, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Lovisa Zillén Snowball, Geological Survey of Sweden

The decision tool Symphony was used for cumulative impact assessment and corresponding ecological sensitivities in Swedish waters. Data from a high resolution ocean model, forced with climate projections, were incorporated into Symphony to add climate-change related pressures. The results allow for the first time spatial representations of the combined effect of climate change and other pressures.

The marine environment is stressed from multiple pressures related to human activities on land and in water. As a consequence of global climate change, several physiochemical parameters such as temperature, salinity, oxygen and sea level will change rapidly within this century. Thus, the cumulative impact on many marine species and habitats is expected to change. Early indications of such changes are valuable for marine planning and management at the strategic level.

In this study a decision support tool for marine spatial planning, Symphony, was used for cumulative impact assessment and corresponding ecological sensitivities in Swedish waters. Data from a high resolution ocean model, forced by downscaled climate scenarios, were incorporated into Symphony to add climate-change related pressures. The results are spatial representations of the combined effect of climate change and other pressures such as fisheries, eutrophication and shipping. Despite aggregated uncertainties, findings indicate that climate change can be expected to have a fundamental impact on the Swedish marine environment and that the spatial distribution of areas with high and low cumulative impact may change.

Costal fish communities in the Baltic Sea - Current state of indicators and assessment methodologies

Lena Bergström, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, lena.bergstrom@slu.se (presenter)

Örjan Östman, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Jens Olsson, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

We present an overview of the status of coastal fish communities in the Baltic Sea based on recent results from environmental assessments, and explain the current state of development of the indicators and assessment methodologies. The results reflect the work of recent projects in Sweden and HELCOM.

The state of coastal fish communities is central for achieving a good environmental status of coastal ecosystems in general and of key importance for providing several marine ecosystem services. In the Baltic Sea, the status of coastal fish communities is assessed in relation to the objectives of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan. However, improving the status of coastal fish communities may involve various sectors and require several types of measures, and should account for specific local environmental settings. Importantly, improvements are dependent on the combined efforts by fisheries and environmental management.

Despite recent advances, a continued development of indicators to assess the status of coastal fish communities is needed to address these multiple connections and meet different management aspects under the ecosystem approach. Here, we present an overview of the current status of coastal fish communities in the Baltic Sea, and provide examples on the current development state of indicators and assessment methodologies. The results reflect the work of recent projects in Sweden and HELCOM.

Potential use of beach wrack for coastal protection measures in the South-Eastern Baltic

Boris Chubarenko, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, chuboris@mail.ru, (presenter)

Julia Gorbunova, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences

The initial information about two ways to use Beach Wrack (BW), algae, sea grasses etc., for dune restoration purposes will be presented: to use BW as fertilizer for planting of greenery and initial filling of wooden cells traditionally used for sand accumulation.

Beach Wrack (BW), algae, sea grasses etc., reduce touristic attraction of beaches in Kaliningrad Oblast (KO) of Russia, South-Eastern Baltic. Permanent coastal erosion is one of the major problems limiting development of beach recreation in KO.

Important measures of consolidation of the dune protection wall and restoration of the blowing gaps in it are planting of greenery that could be significantly more effective with the use of BW. This method is close to a natural process – algae thrown ashore are an important component as a fertilizer for dune vegetation in the process of coastal sand dunes formation.

The second possibility of BW use for coastal protection measures is a placing of BW as first layer filler in the wood cells that applying for dunes binding. Construction of these wooden cells is a traditional way to arrange the sand accumulation before and after fore dune wall.

Both methods will be tested within the Project #R090 CONTRA of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme and accompanied by studies of BW stock and pollution content assessments, basing on partly support of the state assignment of IO RAS (Theme No. 0149-2019-0013).

EMODnet Chemistry – developing data products and services of relevance for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

Kari Eilola, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, kari.eilola@smhi.se (presenter)

Alessandra Giorgetti, Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale; Dick Dick M.A. Schaap, Mariene Informatie Service ‘MARIS’ BV

EMODnet Chemistry compiles, validates, generates, and provides access to marine chemistry data and data products for all European seas, relevant for MSFD. It focuses on eutrophication, contaminants and marine litter. Data are derived from 65 data centres and > 400 originator institutes. There is close cooperation with EEA, DG Env, Regional Sea Conventions, and member states.

In 2008 EU DG-MARE took the initiative for an overarching European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) considering marine data as important input for driving scientific, environmental and economic developments.

EMODnet Chemistry since 2008 compiles, validates, generates, and provides access to marine chemistry data and data products for all European seas, relevant for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Data are derived from 65 data centres and > 400 originator institutes.

Its data products are specifically relevant for MSFD Descriptors 5 (eutrophication), 8 (chemical pollution), 9 (contaminants in seafood), and 10 (marine litter). There is close cooperation with EEA, DG Env, EU JRC, Regional Sea Conventions, and member states in order to make the data products of sufficient quality and fit for MSFD purposes. EMODnet Chemistry has organized a Board of Experts (currently >40) and participates in the MFSD TG-DATA and TG-Marine Litter groups.

For more information on the project, its products, services and its guidelines for gathering chemical and marine litter data sets: www.emodnet-chemistry.eu.

Towards a socioeconomic action plan for the Baltic Sea

Berit Hasler, Aarhus University, bh@envs.au.dk (presenter)

Markku Ollikainen, University of Helsinki; Katarina Elofsson, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Antti Iho, Natural Resources Institute; Hans E Andersen, Aarhus University; Mikolaj Czajkowski, University of Warsaw; Kaja Peterson, Stockholm Environment Institute

This study analyzes the main weaknesses and key avenues for improvement of nutrient policies in the Baltic Sea region. HELCOM’s Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), accepted by the Baltic Sea countries in 2007, is based on an innovative ecological modeling of the Baltic Sea environment, but no socioeconomic considerations. Recommendations for a socioeconomic action plan have been formulated as part of the BONUS GO4BALTIC project, and will be presented.

This study analyzes key avenues for improvement of nutrient policies in the Baltic Sea region.

HELCOM’s Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) is based on an innovative ecological modeling of the Baltic Sea environment. In the BONUS GO4BALTIC project results have been summarized to propose recommendations for a socioeconomic action plan, based on economic and policy analysis, with close links to hydrological and marine models.

1. We show an increasing gap that exists between the state-of-the-art policy alternatives and the existing command-and-control-based approaches to the protection of the Baltic Sea environment, and outline these recommendations for a Socioeconomic Baltic Sea Action plan for Nutrient regulation:
2. 1. Cost-effective abatement with equalization of marginal abatement cost should be the guiding principle of nutrient policies towards point and nonpoint sources
3. 2. Changes to EU directives and HELCOM recommendations should be changed to facilitate modern, incentive-based and performance oriented policy instruments
4. 3. Tighter regulation of large livestock farms, industrial scale treatment of manure
5. 4. Increase the use of potentials for investment in manure storage
6. 5. Create coherent nutrient and climate mitigation measures in agriculture
7. 6. Regulation must keep pace with economic development, use of innovative instruments

Acknowledgements: The work is part of the BONUS GO4BALTIC project: http://projects.au.dk/go4baltic/. The BONUS GO4BALTIC project is supported by BONUS (Art 185), funded jointly by the EU and national funding institutions in Denmark (the Innovation Fund), Estonia (Estonian Research Council ETAG), Finland (Academy of Finland, Grant Number 291681), Poland (NCBR) and Sweden (FORMAS). The work has also received funding from the Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre – project Baltic Eye.

Multiscale maps- compiling seabed substrate data for European maritime areas

Susanna Kihlman, Geological Survey of Finland, susanna.kihlman@gtk.fi (presenter)

Aarno Kotilainen, Geological Survey of Finland; Ulla Alanen, Geological Survey of Finland; Anu Kaskela, Geological Survey of Finland; Bjarni Pjetursson, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland; EMODnet Geology partners

The EMODnet Geology project collects and harmonises geological data at different scales from the European sea areas to support decision making, research and sustainable marine spatial planning. The first version of multiscale dataset includes seabed substrate maps at scales of 1:50 000, 1:100 000, 1:250 000 and 1:1 000 000 and provides the data at different scales for different purposes.

The EMODnet (European Marine Observation and Data network) Geology project collects and harmonises marine geological data from the European sea areas to support decision making and sustainable marine spatial planning. In the project, diverse, national seabed substrate classifications are harmonised into a schema using Folk classification system.

The latest phase of the project has gathered high resolution seabed substrate data, varying between 1:1 500 and 1:100 000 and including 12 different scales with fragmented coverage. The first version of EMODnet seabed substrate multiscale dataset includes maps at scales of 1:50 000, 1:100 000, 1:250 000 (250 k) and 1:1 000 000 (1 M).

The broad scale (250 k and 1 M) data describes the seabed substrate at a general level, making it suitable for the decision-making, research and large-scale spatial planning. More detailed scale data are needed for habitat mapping purposes, planning local constructions like wind farms and helps to recognize areas with great seabed diversity by providing specific information easily lost in broader scales. Multiscale dataset provides the most suitable data on the spot, at different scales for different purposes.

Sustainability anaysis of scenarios for cicular systems for nutrients and carbons

Erik Kärrman, RISE, erik.karrman@ri.se (presenter)

Circular systems for handling wastewater and agricultural wastes is a way forward to decrease the fluxes of nutrients to the Baltic Sea. In the BONUS RETURN project we have used sustainability analysis to evaluate different scenarios for applying circular systems for agricultural waste and wastewater in three catchment areas: Fyrisån (Sweden), Vantaanjoki (Finland) and Slupia (Poland).

Circular systems for handling wastewater and agricultural wastes is a way forward to decrease the fluxes of nutrients to the Baltic Sea. The BONUS RETURN project aims at developing new policies, new decision support systems and new innovations to implement circular systems for nutrients and carbons in the Baltic sea area.

In one part of the project we have used sustainability analysis to evaluate different scenarios for applying circular systems for agricultural waste and wastewater in three catchment areas: Fyrisån (Sweden), Vantaanjoki (Finland) and Slupia (Poland). Composting, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, source seapration systems, leaching of phosphorus from ashes and ammonia stripping are examples of new technologies that has been evaluated.

The studies shows that there are many promising innovations for reducing the fluxes to the Baltic sea but they are not ready for market yet and they must perform also on other sustainability criteria such as the emission of greenhouse gases, costs and local economy. Another finding is that new policies is needed to promote the market for recycled nutrient products as fertilizers on agriculture.

Stakeholder involvement practices in the MSP processes of the Baltic Sea countries

Hanna Luhtala, University of Turku, hanna.luhtala@utu.fi (presenter)

Anne Erkkilä-Välimäki, University of Turku; Harri Tolvanen, University of Turku

EU directive on MSP requires stakeholder consultation in national planning processes. We interviewed planners to investigate how stakeholder participation has been conducted in the member states around the Baltic Sea. In general, while all interested stakeholders are offered a possibility to participate, the level of interest towards the planning process varies among the stakeholder groups.

Stakeholder involvement is regarded crucial in Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). In EU directive on MSP (2014/89/EU), it is obligated to consult stakeholders, authorities, and the public at an appropriate stage in the preparation of maritime spatial plans. However, there are differences in the ways in which the requirements of stakeholder integration have been implemented by the member states in the Baltic Sea Region.

In BONUS BASMATI project, we interviewed planners and experts around the Baltic Sea to investigate how stakeholder participation has been conducted in practical terms. In general, while all interested stakeholders are offered a possibility to participate, the level of interest towards the planning process varies among the stakeholder groups. For example, groups with strong local interest might lack motivation in participating in national planning processes. In many cases, it was seen beneficial to involve representative unions and umbrella organisations instead of integrating companies and other individual actors directly. In addition, many planners valued the interaction possibilities that research projects provide when gathering sector representatives together.

Confidence of spatial data for use in marine planning and management

Lotta Maack, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, lotta.maack@io-warnemuende.de (presenter)

Kerstin Schiele, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde; Alexander Darr, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde

In Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), there is a fundamental need for validation of data reliability prior to integration. This study assesses the reliability of modelled distribution areas of benthic species based on a spatial mapping approach and analyses monitoring efforts for benthic biotopes. Results may foster the integration of nature conservation in MSP.

Comprehensive environmental data provide the basis for considering the ecosystem approach in Marine Spatial Planning and to ensure science-based decisions for sustainable management in general. This study assesses I) how heterogeneity of input data impact on the confidence of spatial information II) monitoring efforts. The focus is on benthic species and biotopes in the southern Baltic Sea.

Species biomass distribution is modelled using RandomForest. With a spatial mapping approach, we map the confidence of output data determined by statistical analysis. Results indicate areas with a high or low level of confidence for the predicted modelled distribution of respective species.

Also, we analyse the distribution of monitoring stations. Spatial maps reveal whether all benthic biotopes currently in focus of marine policies are sufficiently covered by monitoring.

The compilation and assessment of our spatial maps contribute to a reliable and transparent data basis and support better informed decision-making in marine planning and management.

Standardised Swedish marine data published via the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)

Daniel Mattsson, SGU, daniel.mattsson@sgu.se (presenter)

Kari Eilola, SMHI; Thomas Hammarklint, SMA

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) and the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) have worked closely to deliver increasingly detailed data from Swedish marine waters to the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet: http://www.emodnet.eu/). This represents a vast source of open access a standardised marine data.

Multiple and increasing pressures from human activities on land and sea, combined with a changing environment due to global climate change pose a converging threat to our marine ecosystems and the services they deliver. Addressing these threats and implementation of policy responses such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and Marine Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD) requires that scientists and researchers have access to marine data and information across national borders which are well described, standardised and harmonised.

The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) and the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) have worked closely to deliver increasingly detailed data from Swedish marine waters to the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet).

The EMODnet marine data gateway (http://www.emodnet.eu/) now represents a vast source of European marine data which includes many kinds of products covering a comprehensive variety of well documented data types in open access formats available without fees and supplied to internationally accepted standards.

Showing progress in recovery from eutrophication in the Baltic Sea

Michelle McCrackin, Stockholm University, michelle.mccrackin@su.se (presenter)

Bo Gustafsson, Stockholm University; Christoph Humborg, Stockholm University; Annika Svanbäck, Stockholm University

Despite external nutrient load reductions, the Baltic Sea shows few signs of recovering from eutrophication. This situation poses a communications challenge, especially given ambitious restoration goals. Model simulations suggest that pools of nitrogen and phosphorus have decreased and stabilized, respectively. We propose this simple budget approach could be useful for communicating progress.

The Baltic Sea is particularly sensitive to eutrophication due to its semi-enclosed nature and long residence times. Despite substantial reductions in external nutrient loads since the 1980s, there few signs of improvement.

To better understand recovery timescales and trajectories, we analyzed pressure-response relationships between external nutrient loads and indicator variables such as Secchi depth and concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll a. While indicator variables appear not to have worsened over the past decade, we were unable to differentiate between regime shifts and shifting baselines. This situation poses a challenge to communicating the sea’s progress to policymakers and the public, especially given the ambitious restoration goals of a sea “unaffected by eutrophication.”

We further explored BALTSEM model-derived total pools of nutrients in the water column and active sediments. The model results suggest that these pools have decreased over the past decades. Thus, after decades of nutrient accumulation, the sea could be shifting to a depletion phase. We propose this simple budget approach could be useful for communicating recovery progress.

Benthic habitat mapping of the Swedish Baltic Sea

Johan Näslund, AquaBiota Water Research, johan.naslund@aquabiota.se (presenter)

Nicklas Wijkmark, AquaBiota Water Research; Antonia Nyström Sandman, AquaBiota Water Research; José M. Beltrán-Abaunza, AquaBiota Water Research; Martin Isaeus, AquaBiota Water Research; Angelina Olsson, Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management

Sweden is currently (2016-2021) carrying out a national project, “Nationell marin kartering”, in order to produce maps of the marine benthic environment. The aim is to create maps useful for sustainable management of the sea at national, regional and local level. Coarse resolution habitat maps of the Swedish Baltic Sea will be completed during spring 2019 and work on high resolution maps continue.

Comprehensive maps of the entire Swedish marine environment, useful for sustainable management of the sea at national, regional and local level, are currently being produced within the Swedish national project “Nationell marin kartering” (NMK). The mapping is based on existing data, complemented by data from additional surveys. Biological mapping has been performed in the Swedish Baltic Sea as a part of NMK during 2016-2019.

Biological data was used together with information on the physical environment to model the distribution of species and habitats and describe uncertainties. The mapping work was divided into various assignments at coarse resolution in larger marine spatial planning areas or high-resolution mapping at county level. The coarse resolution maps in the Swedish Baltic Sea will be completed during spring 2019 and work on high resolution areas continue. Maps from the project in course and high resolution have already been used by managers, e.g. to assess the ecological coherence of marine protected area network.

Coastal processes and changing process drivers in the Baltic Sea: What communities and local policy makers need to know

Kevin Parnell, Tallinn University of Technology, kevin.parnell@taltech.ee (presenter)

Tarmo Soomere, Tallinn University of Technology

We see examples of problems caused by coastal processes (e.g. erosion) and climate change in the international media, but the Baltic Sea is different. There are processes we need to concentrate on and others we can disregard if we are to have well informed communities and local decision-makers. We discuss messages that are important for the Baltic Sea region and how to best to promulgate these.

Dramatic reports of coastal processes that result in damage to environment and property, and loss of life, are common, with the apparent increased frequency and intensity of events being attributed to climate change. Baltic Sea coastal processes are inherently different to many of the cases people see in the media, due to its particular characteristics and sensitivity to some drivers. Communities and local practitioners can become confused, leading to both under- and over- estimation of the adverse effects of certain hazards, and poor policy decisions and designs.

We summarize those aspects of climate and processes that must be highlighted for effective coastal management and response to hazards in the Baltic Sea, such as the effects of small changes in wind speed and direction and consequent changes in basic wave parameters and distributions, changes in water level in the wider Baltic Sea and locally, and changes in sediment transport. We also discuss processes highlighted by the international media which are inconsequential in the Baltic Sea.

Using examples of best practice, we discuss the Baltic-specific information that needs to be promulgated, and how that can be achieved.

Baltic Earth Assessment Reports (BEAR) – Making regional Earth system knowledge available

Marcus Reckermann, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, marcus.reckermann@hzg.de (presenter)

H.E. Markus Meier, Baltic Sea Research Institute Warnemünde; Baltic Earth Science Steering Group, Baltic Earth

A dedicated series of Baltic Earth Assessment Reports (BEAR), to be published in 2020, is currently in preparation, encompassing the Baltic Earth Grand Challenges and further fields of interest, like coupled Earth system modelling, regional climate change and impacts (BACC III), and new climate observation systems.

• Baltic Earth encompasses processes in the atmosphere, on land and in the sea, as well as in the anthroposphere. A dedicated series of Baltic Earth Assessment Reports (BEAR) will be published in 2020, encompassing the Baltic Earth Grand Challenges and further fields of interest:
• • Salinity dynamics in the Baltic Sea
• • Land-Sea biogeochemical linkages in the Baltic Sea region
• • Natural hazards and extreme events in the Baltic Sea region
• • Sea level dynamics and coastal erosion at the Baltic Sea coasts
• • Regional variability of water and energy exchanges in the Baltic Sea region
• • Multiple drivers for regional Earth system changes in the Baltic Sea region
• • Coupled regional Earth system modelling in the Baltic Sea region
• • Climate change and its impacts in the Baltic Sea region (BACC III)
• • New climate observation systems in the Baltic Sea region

BACC III, as part of BEAR, will update but not replace the BACC II book of 2015.

The BEAR reports provide overviews over the current state of the science and its knowledge gaps. Communication with stakeholders may help identify open scientific questions relevant for society, to be approached by funded research projects.

Stakeholder perspectives on sustainable coastal development: A Baltic coast case study

Samaneh Seifollahi-Aghmiuni, Stockholm University, samaneh.seifollahi@natgeo.su.se (presenter)

Zahra Kalantari, Stockholm University; Carmen Prieto, Stockholm University; Yuanying Chen, Stockholm University; Georgia Destouni, Stockholm University

Considering the Swedish Northern Baltic Proper coast, we have involved actors with land, sea and coastal perspectives to explore the potential of cross-sectoral cooperation for sustainable coastal development. We report the co-created mind maps in six workshops, discussing their implications for modelling of the coastal system and the opportunities and barriers for its sustainable development.

The Baltic Sea coast is subject to multiple change pressures from human activities and climate change on land and at sea. These pressures challenge ecosystems and socio-economic development options in coastal areas. Understanding the pressure implications for coastal system settings is needed for relevant policy and management at different levels.

In this study, we consider the Swedish Northern Baltic Proper coast and have involved actors with land, sea and coastal perspectives to collaboratively explore the potential of cross-sectoral cooperation for sustainable coastal development. Six sectoral workshops have been held to co-create mind maps for land-sea interactions and identify (and eventually model) key physical, socio-economic and environmental connections for this development.

We here report the mind maps and insights provided for the interlinked land-coast-sea processes, and discuss their implications for further modelling of the coastal system and the opportunities and barriers for its sustainable development locally and regionally.

Impact of maritime traffic and marine tourism on non-profit recreational activities in the Baltic Sea coast of SW Finland

Elina Laurila, University of Turku, elevla@utu.fi (presenter)

Harri Tolvanen, University of Turku; Hanna Luhtala, University of Turku; Anne Erkkilä-Välimäki, University of Turku

We interviewed NGOs to identify conflicts and synergies that free-time activities experience with commercial shipping and tourism. The findings related mostly to cultural and provisioning ecosystem services. While overcrowding, breaking the ice cover, and environmental issues were identified as hindrances, marine traffic and tourism were mostly experienced beneficial because they offer services.

The SW-Finnish archipelago is an area of intense maritime traffic and marine tourism. In BONUS BASMATI, we interviewed 12 local NGOs, representing different sectors of marine recreational activities which use the ecosystem services of the area, to assess the possible conflicts and synergies they experience with commercial shipping and tourism.

Overall, the discrepancies between these activities are diminutive. The most frequently mentioned hindrances to the NGOs’ recreational activities are overcrowding, breaking the ice cover, and environmental degradation. Despite these, marine traffic and tourism are mostly seen as beneficial by the NGOs, since tourism and public marine transportation provide services also for other recreational users. They may also have indirect influence on water and air quality.

In the future, it is important to find out the spatial dimension of conflicts and synergies, and improve the participation of non-profit organizations to Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) to maintain their possibilities to benefit from the ecosystem services.

Are institutional change and the implementation of the ecosystem approach such strange bedfellows? A case study of HELCOM and the Baltic Sea Action Plan

Nina Tynkkynen, Åbo Akademi University, nina.tynkkynen@abo.fi

Savitri Jetoo, Åbo Akademi University (presenter)

This paper examines the institutional demands of ecosystem based management. It uses the Institutional analysis and development framework (IAD) to analyse the institutional changes of HELCOM to implement this new governance approach.

The Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) expanded to include membership of the EU, Russia as a successor of the USSR and the newly independent Baltic States in 1992. HELCOM changed its structure and instruments to aid implementation efforts. The Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) was adopted in 2007, with the aim of implementing the ecosystem approach (EA) to achieve good ecological status. BSAP acknowledges that the ecosystem approach is based on integrated management of human activities and the ecosystem.

Whilst HELCOM previously focused on sectoral governance, a clear shift was needed for this integrated approach. The structuring of BSAP around four strategic goals reflected the major environmental problems of the Baltic Sea but was this change accompanied by institutional changes within HELCOM? This question is pertinent as a review of the BSAP indicates that national implementation actions are lagging.

This paper examines the institutional demands of ecosystem based management. It uses the Institutional analysis and development framework (IAD) to analyse the institutional changes of HELCOM to implement this new governance approach.

Transparency within REACH?

Marlene Ågerstrand, Stockholm University, marlene.agerstrand@aces.su.se (presenter)

Ellen Ingre-Khans, Stockholm University; Anna Beronius, Karolinska Institutet; Chistina Rudén, Stockholm University

The papers report on lessons learned, and possible societal impact, from how the European Chemicals Agency and the chemical industry communicate scientific data for chemicals.

Concerns that European legislations were not providing adequate protection from chemical risks resulted in the new REACH legislation.

In this poster, results from four papers evaluating the transparency of REACH is presented. The papers report on lessons learned, and poss

ible societal impact, from how the European Chemicals Agency and the chemical industry communicate scientific data for chemicals.

The results show that information that is used for concluding on hazards and risks of chemicals, as well as industry’s conclusions, are reported in a semi-transparent manner, thereby difficult for third parties to fully scrutinize. Furthermore, the framework for industry to evaluate (eco)toxicity studies and report data evaluations was found to be neither systematic nor transparent.

Overall, we rely on a regulatory system for ensuring chemical safety that (1) heavily depends on expert judgement, (2) depends on registrants’ reporting, (3) provides little or vague guidance for evaluating and summarising data, (4) is susceptible to bias due to conflict of interest, (5) limited possibilities to scrutinise data, and (6) responsible agencies having limited resources to ensure compliance.

From research results to decision support: BONUS BLUEWEBS and the changing Baltic food webs

Laura Uusitalo, Finnish Environment Institute, laura.uusitalo@ymparisto.fi 

Marie Nordström, Åbo Akademi University; Bärbel Müller-Karulis, Stockholm University; 
Rüdiger Voss, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel; Thorsten Blenckner, Stockholm University, thorsten.blenckner@su.se; Christian Möllmann, Hamburg University

BONUS BLUEWEBS studies the sustainable management of the Baltic Sea, recognizing that the ecosystem is changing due to multiple anthropogenic pressures. We demonstrate a decision support system that relies strongly on science, that takes into account ecosystem change and its links to the socio-ecological system, and that can be used to examine and balance multiple management goals.

BONUS BLUEWEBS studies the possibility of attaining good environmental status and achieving Blue Growth in the Baltic Sea, in the face of the anthropogenic pressures that cause the ecosystem and food webs to change. Successful marine management requires simultaneous consideration of multiple management options (such as nutrient loading, fishing pressure) and multiple management goals (such as ecosystem status, Blue Growth possibilities), and it needs to be based on scientific research. We demonstrate an approach that can combine research results from multiple disciplines into a decision support system that allows the user to explore the different management options, goals, and the uncertainties related to them.