Bounded by Scandinavia, northern Europe and the western most part of Russia, the Baltic Sea is one of the world's most unique marine environments. But, the sea and its surrounding areas have paid a heavy price from decades of human activity.
Baltic Sea
A little salt
The Baltic is the youngest sea on our planet, emerging from the retiring ice masses only some 10,000-15,000 years ago.
It is also the world's largest body of brackish water (it has more salinity than freshwater but not as much as seawater), connected to the ocean waters of the North Sea only through the narrow and shallow straits between Denmark and Sweden.This unique ecosystem is home to a diverse array of species, such as Baltic ringed seals and harbour porpoises. Fish species include cod, herring and salmon. And tens of millions of migratory birds stop here twice a year, including the Arctic tern, divers and long-tailed duck.
A lot of problems
But, the Baltic Sea is one of the world’s most threatened marine environments.Overfishing, oil spills and land-based pollution, particularly high levels of nutrients, from agriculture and industry continue to negatively impact this fragile sea.
WWF and partner organizations in the nine coastal countries bordering the Baltic Sea are working together to address these threats.
Through innovative solutions, we aim to improve the sea's health and biodiversity while providing long-term social and economic benefits to farming, coastal and fishing communities.
Future Trends in the Baltic region
Future Trends
- Click here to see the Interactive map of future trends in the Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea. Dragsfard, Finland.
The Baltic Sea is one of the busiest maritime areas in the world.
In its report ‘Future Trends in the Baltic Sea’ WWF highlighted the growth projections for a number of sectors in the Baltic Sea region, almost all of which are set to grow substantially over the next 20 years – some by as much as several hundred percent. This growth will increase demand for the limited space and resources of the sea, and could consequently lead to increased conflicts within maritime sectors, between sectors, and between human uses and nature.
In order to make space for marine species and habitats as well as sustainable human use, it is time to start planning and managing our use of the sea in a better way.
The Baltic Consensus
Baltic Consensus The ‘Baltic Consensus’ is an initiative launched by WWF and designed to secure the input of key resource ‘users’ to influence and promote a more efficient, integrated planning and management of the Baltic Sea.
Latest News & Publications
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Untapped potential in Agri-Environment Measures
A study commissioned by the WWF shows that while Agri-Environment Measures in the Baltic Sea region ...
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Untapped potential in Agri-Environment Measures
A study commissioned by the WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme and presented today at a conference in ...
Protecting Baltic Sea seals
The UK hotspots were chosen for their diverse populations of wildlife, which include grey seals.
Seals were once found in large numbers in the Baltic Sea. But decades of pollution and hunting have seen their numbers rapidly drop.
In the early 20th century, the ringed seal population of the Baltic Sea was estimated at 180,000. Today, there are just 7,000-10,000. Grey and harbour seal numbers are also in a precarious state. Although some populations have slightly increased, overall they continue to be threatened.
In Finland, WWF is working to protect Baltic seals by establishing marine protected areas along the coast. The species are also protected through legislation by various countries within their range.
In the early 20th century, the ringed seal population of the Baltic Sea was estimated at 180,000. Today, there are just 7,000-10,000. Grey and harbour seal numbers are also in a precarious state. Although some populations have slightly increased, overall they continue to be threatened.
In Finland, WWF is working to protect Baltic seals by establishing marine protected areas along the coast. The species are also protected through legislation by various countries within their range.
The water is not safe for people or animals when the algal bloom arrives in the Baltic Sea.
The water is not safe for people or animals when the algal bloom arrives in the Baltic Sea.
