Article
Environmental Sciences
Janina Pazusiene, Roberta Valskiene, Wlodzimierz Grygiel, Milda Stankeviciute, Laura Butrimaviciene, Janina Barsiene
Summary: This study is the first attempt to assess genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects in herring, flounder, and cod caught at stations located close to chemical munition dumpsites in the Gotland Basin, the Baltic Sea. Fish caught at these stations exhibited high levels of micronuclei and total genotoxicity, with exceptionally high and high risks determined for flounder, herring, and cod.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Leif Andersson, Carl Andre, Kerstin Johannesson, Mats Pettersson
Summary: The Atlantic herring and Atlantic cod are two marine fish species that have successfully adapted to the brackish Baltic Sea, but face different challenges in regards to ecological adaptation and future climate change. The herring has shown strong genetic associations to salinity and temperature variation, indicating its potential for adaptation. However, its future status also depends on factors such as plankton production and competition with other species. The cod population in the Baltic Sea is threatened by overfishing, low oxygen levels, and isolation from nearby cod populations, making its situation more challenging.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Urszula Kwasigroch, Magdalena Beldowska, Agnieszka Jedruch, Katarzyna Lukawska-Matuszewska
Summary: The study investigated the levels of mercury and its forms in surface sediments of the Baltic Sea, finding that Hg concentrations were highest in industrialized areas and regions affected by historical activities. Labile Hg fractions, mainly organic compounds, were found to be dominant and potentially release into the water column, impacting the trophic chain. Despite reduced Hg emissions, surface sediments remain a significant secondary Hg source in the Baltic Sea ecosystem.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Oceanography
Andreas C. Bryhn, Sara Bergek, Ulf Bergstrom, Michele Casini, Elin Dahlgren, Caroline Ek, Joakim Hjelm, Sara Konigson, Peter Ljungberg, Karl Lundstrom, Sven Gunnar Lunneryd, Maria Ovegard, Mattias Skold, Daniel Valentinsson, Francesca Vitale, Hakan Wennhage
Summary: This article discusses potential supportive measures for cod stock recovery in the Baltic Sea, Kattegat, and Skagerrak regions. The listed measures include reducing bycatch mortality, altering fisheries affecting cod food sources, restocking, protecting juvenile habitats, and reducing predation. The study aims to provide decision-support for managers and policymakers.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bijan Dargahi
Summary: This study investigated the environmental risks of seabed mining for metal resources in the Baltic Sea. The findings suggest that mining significantly alters sediment dynamics and poses a serious threat to the ecological health of the sea. Additionally, mining operations will expose highly contaminated sediments at the seabed to the flow, causing further harm to the maritime environment.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ellen R. Salamon Slater, Kendra A. Turk-Kubo, Soren Hallstrom, Katharina Kesy, Peeter Laas, Jonathan Magasin, Jonathan P. Zehr, Matthias Labrenz, Lasse Riemann
Summary: Nitrogen fixation rates in the Baltic Sea are high, but knowledge about the composition and distribution of diazotrophs is limited. This study reveals that Pseudanabaena and non-cyanobacterial diazotrophs dominate the composition, while filamentous heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria account for most of the nitrogenase gene expression. Salinity has some influence on the composition, and different diazotrophs show varying expression levels at different salinities.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Irina Chubarenko, Elena Esiukova, Mikhail Zobkov, Igor Isachenko
Summary: This study analyzed the abundance of microplastic particles in bottom sediments of the Baltic Sea. The content of microplastics varied with water depth, with fibers being the most common type. The distributions of fibers, fragments, and films differed significantly from different types of bottom sediments. An erosion/transition/accumulation pattern for fibers in the Baltic Sea was outlined. The distribution principles of other microplastics remain uncertain.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alessandro Orio, Yvette Heimbrand, Karin Limburg
Summary: The intensified expansion of the Baltic Sea's hypoxic zone has been proposed as one reason for the current poor status of cod in the Baltic Sea, with repercussions throughout the food web and on ecosystem services. The study found that the extent of minimally suitable areas for cod is the most important predictor of decreased cod maximum length, and simulations show the potential for Baltic cod to increase its maximum length if hypoxic areal extent is reduced. The findings highlight the importance of reducing hypoxic areas in order to maintain ecosystem services affected by the decrease of cod maximum length.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristele Chevalier, Marine Vandenberghe, Marc Pagano, Ian Pellet, Christel Pinazo, Javier A. Tesan Onrubia, Loic Guilloux, Francois Carlotti
Summary: This study examines the variability of microplastics vertical distributions in the oceanic water column. Through targeted sampling in the Bay of Marseille and numerical simulation with realistic physical forcings, three categories of microplastics are identified: settling, buoyant, and winter neutrally-buoyant microplastics. Buoyant microplastics are mainly concentrated at the surface, but can mix throughout the water column during episodes of strong winds and no water stratification, leading to an underestimation of buoyant microplastics in surface sampling. Settling microplastics are mainly found at the bottom, but can occasionally reach the surface under specific mixing conditions. Winter neutrally-buoyant microplastics are more evenly dispersed during the winter but are located beneath the stratified layers in summer.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juris Aigars, Marta Barone, Natalija Suhareva, Ieva Putna-Nimane, Inta Dimante-Deimantovica
Summary: This study compared the distribution and composition of microplastic debris in the Gulf of Riga and the Eastern Gotland Basin in the Baltic Sea. The researchers found that the abundance of microplastic particles varied among different stations, with fibers and fragments being the predominant types, and polyethylene and polypropylene being the main polymer types encountered. The concentrations of micro-debris observed fell within the reported range of values from other regions in the Baltic Sea.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mu Lin, Jun She, Jens Murawski, Xiaolin Hou, Jixin Qiao
Summary: This study examines the long-term memory effect of the Baltic Sea on pollutants and nutrients using simulation and tracer analysis. The results highlight the continuous export of pollutants and nutrients from the Baltic Sea to downstream areas, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing marine environment in the North-Baltic Sea region.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Stefanie Haase, Kate McQueen, Monica Mion, Magnus Andersson, Annelie Hilvarsson, Hans Jakob Olesen, Anders Svenson, Michele Casini, Karin Hussy, Krzysztof Radtke, Uwe Krumme
Summary: The tagging-induced mortality experiments on Baltic cod showed that tagging did not have a significant effect on mortality, with mortality mainly attributed to capture and handling procedures. There was a negative relationship between fish length and mortality, and significant variations in mortality were observed between different tagging sites.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Franziska Maria Schade, Peggy Weist, Jan Dierking, Uwe Krumme
Summary: In the Baltic Sea, genetically divergent stocks of Atlantic cod, Western Baltic cod (WBC) and Eastern Baltic cod (EBC), coexist in the Arkona Sea. This study used otolith shape analysis to develop a comprehensive time series of stock mixing data for WBC and EBC. The results showed that the two stocks coexist in the Arkona Sea with fluctuating mixing proportions over time. Depth-stratified analysis revealed stable differences in depth distribution and habitat use of WBC and EBC, which may contribute to their long-term coexistence. Fishing gear-specific exploitation of different stocks was observed, emphasizing the importance of considering capture depth and gear type in stock assessments.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eva Kumar, Jani Koponen, Panu Rantakokko, Riikka Airaksinen, Paivi Ruokojarvi, Hannu Kiviranta, Pekka J. Vuorinen, Timo Myllyla, Marja Keina, Jari Raitaniemi, Jaakko Mannio, Ville Junttila, Janne Nieminen, Eija-Riitta Vena, Marika Jestoi
Summary: Occurrence and distribution of PFAAs are widespread in the environment, especially in fish meat. The concentration of PFAAs differs between fish from the Baltic Sea and Finnish lakes. Moderate consumption of Baltic Sea fish may result in PFAAs exposure exceeding safety thresholds.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marijana Hure, Mirna Batistic, Rade Garic
Summary: This study investigated the diel vertical migration of copepod communities in the open South Adriatic under different hydrographical conditions. The results showed that temperature strongly influenced the copepod community, exhibiting a clear seasonal structure.
Article
Ecology
Susa Niiranen, Alessandro Orio, Valerio Bartolino, Ulf Bergstrom, Meri Kallasvuo, Stefan Neuenfeldt, Didzis Ustups, Michele Casini
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2019)
Article
Fisheries
Stefan Neuenfeldt, Valerio Bartolino, Alessandro Orio, Ken H. Andersen, Niels G. Andersen, Susa Niiranen, Ulf Bergstrom, Didzis Ustups, Nataliia Kulatska, Michele Casini
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2020)
Correction
Fisheries
Stefan Neuenfeldt, Valerio Bartolino, Alessandro Orio, Ken H. Andersen, Niels G. Andersen, Susa Niiranen, Ulf Bergstrom, Didzis Ustups, Nataliia Kulatska, Michele Casini
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martin C. Haensel, Joern O. Schmidt, Martina H. Stiasny, Max T. Stoeven, Rudi Voss, Martin F. Quaas
Editorial Material
Fisheries
Stefan Neuenfeldt, Valerio Bartolino, Alessandro Orio, Ken H. Andersen, Niels G. Andersen, Susa Niiranen, Ulf Bergstrom, Didzis Ustups, Nataliia Kulatska, Michele Casini
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Sieme Bossier, J. Rasmus Nielsen, Elin Almroth-Rosell, Anders Hoglund, Francois Bastardie, Stefan Neuenfeldt, Irene Wahlstrom, Asbjorn Christensen
Summary: The Baltic Sea ecosystem is heavily impacted by various pressures, with climate change and eutrophication being key factors. The study indicates that nutrient loads are the main driver of ecosystem changes, but if hydrographic thresholds for spawning are reached, climate change impact becomes more significant. The integration of multiple pressures and scenarios is essential for future ecosystem-based management of Baltic Sea fisheries and stocks.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christian Moellmann, Xochitl Cormon, Steffen Funk, Saskia A. Otto, Joern O. Schmidt, Heike Schwermer, Camilla Sguotti, Rudi Voss, Martin Quaas
Summary: Understanding tipping point dynamics in harvested ecosystems is crucial for sustainable resource management. Western Baltic cod has surpassed a tipping point due to unsustainable exploitation levels and climate change, leading to irreversible low productivity. Ignoring non-linear resource dynamics has resulted in the demise of an economically and culturally important social-ecological system.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Samuli Korpinen, Laura Uusitalo, Marie C. Nordstrom, Jan Dierking, Maciej T. Tomczak, Jannica Haldin, Silvia Opitz, Erik Bonsdorff, Stefan Neuenfeldt
Summary: Ecosystem-based management requires assessment of food webs. However, current food web indicators lack interconnectivity among trophic guilds. Food web models have the potential to address these shortcomings and provide additional coherence and evaluation methods. However, there are still limitations that hinder the formal implementation of models in practice.
Article
Fisheries
Rudi Voss, Martin Quaas, Stefan Neuenfeldt
Summary: The Baltic fisheries are facing challenges due to reduced cod stock productivity and altered species interactions. By using a multispecies model, it was found that the economic importance of cod decreased while clupeids increased under prevailing conditions. The study suggests that an economic multispecies management objective might be more useful and identifies new trade-offs and synergies by including a consumer perspective.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Christian Kiaer, Stefan Neuenfeldt, Mark R. Payne
Summary: This study introduces a new framework for evaluating recruitment forecasts, emphasizing the importance of predictive power and economic cost-loss decision models. By demonstrating the feasibility of skillful and valuable forecasts in two out of four stocks of lesser sandeel in the North Sea, it highlights the potential for valuable short-term recruitment forecasts and the need to reassess current approaches to recruitment forecasting.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stuart Kininmonth, Thorsten Blenckner, Susa Niiranen, James Watson, Alessandro Orio, Michele Casini, Stefan Neuenfeldt, Valerio Bartolino, Martin Hansson
Summary: Fisheries management has traditionally focused on population modeling without considering environmental and trophic changes. This study introduces a probabilistic model that incorporates key fish populations and various factors to improve the predictability of fish dynamics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew R. Baker, Nathalie A. Steins, Martin A. Pastoors, Stefan Neuenfeldt, Andries de Boer, Dirk Haasnoot, Stephanie Madsen, Johan Muller, Kobus Post, Claus R. Sparrevohn, Mart van der Meij
Summary: Direct engagement of the fishing industry in knowledge and data provision for research and management is becoming more prevalent. Collaborative approaches between science and industry create opportunities for information transfer and improved understanding of ecosystem interactions and management response. Clear communication, respect, and trust are necessary for successful collaborations. Assessment of current trends and development of guidelines and best practices can promote sustainable science-industry collaboration.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marie Plambech Ryberg, Asbjorn Christensen, Christian Jorgensen, Stefan Neuenfeldt, Peter Skov, Jane W. Behrens
Summary: Changes in physiological processes can reveal individual responses to environmental stressors. Bioenergetics modelling helps to understand the outcomes of stressor combinations. In this study, we used a bioenergetics model to examine the effects of parasite infection on cod growth and body condition. The results showed that infection negatively affects cod growth and body condition, which may eventually lead to induced mortality.
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thorsten Blenckner, Christian Moellmann, Julia Stewart Lowndes, Jennifer R. Griffiths, Eleanore Campbell, Andrea De Cervo, Andrea Belgrano, Christoffer Bostroem, Vivi Fleming, Melanie Frazier, Stefan Neuenfeldt, Susa Niiranen, Annika Nilsson, Henn Ojaveer, Jens Olsson, Christine S. Palmloev, Martin Quaas, Wilfried Rickels, Anna Sobek, Markku Viitasalo, Sofia A. Wikstroem, Benjamin S. Halpern
Summary: The Baltic Health Index (BHI) is introduced as a transparent, collaborative, and repeatable assessment tool for evaluating the health of the Baltic Sea, incorporating a human dimension along with ecological aspects. The overall health of the Baltic Sea is suboptimal, indicating a need for substantial effort to reach management objectives and goals. The BHI outcomes can be used to identify management priorities and illustrate the interconnectedness between different goals.
Article
Ecology
Sieme Bossier, J. Rasmus Nielsen, Stefan Neuenfeldt
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2020)
