BALTIC SEA NEWS

Special Management Actions Needed for Naturally Eutrophic Lakes
New research assessed current water quality in lakes with a naturally high nutrient status in Finland and estimated their change over time due to human activity. The results suggest that this particular type of lakes may require special management actions to fulfil the new requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive.
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Swedish agencies launch marine action plan
Sixteen Swedish public agencies have agreed a joint action for the marine environment, the country's environmental protection agency announced on 27 April. The plan describes 30 measures aimed at addressing eutrophication, biodiversity loss and hazardous substances and improving knowledge and coordination. It is intended to complement existing national efforts and also to support Swedish input to Baltic and EU regional initiatives.
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HELCOM released a new report on phytoplankton in the Baltic Sea
The Helsinki Commission released a report on biovolumes and size-classes of phytoplankton in the Baltic Sea. The use of a standardised species list with fixed size-classes and biovolumes contained in this report will be a decisive measure for improving the quality of the phytoplankton counting method and the comparability of results.
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EU plugs "shore-side electricity" for shipping
EU member states should encourage ports to provide electricity for ships at berth, according to a recommendation issued by the European commission on Monday. The move should help reduce air pollution by enabling vessels to switch off their engines, which burn high-sulphur fuel.
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