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Why the eutrophicated Baltic Sea struggles with recovery – New IOW review highlights key processes and causes

"Successful Baltic Sea protection calls for a management approach that takes internal cycles just as seriously as external loads," comments IOW researcher Joachim Kuss on the fact that the Baltic Sea is struggling to recov. (Photo: R. Prien)

The Baltic Sea has been under pressure for decades: Although phosphorus and nitrogen river loads, the main cause for its eutrophication, have been significantly reduced, adverse effects such as algal blooms and oxygen depletion still massively occur, leading to further ecological problems. Scientists at the IOW have now published a comprehensive review showing how nutrient pollution, internal matter cycles and global warming interact, thereby delaying the impact of protective measures. They also identify potential approaches for effective Baltic Sea management. The study was recently published in the Annual Review of Marine Science.

 

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application/pdf 20260216_press_Slow_Recovery_of_eutrophicated_Baltic_Sea_en.pdf (305.3 KiB)

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