The number of porpoises in the critically endangered Baltic Sea population has been estimated to approximately 450 animals (95% confidence limits 90-997). Modelled maps of porpoise seasonal distribution show that the most important area during May-December when porpoises give birth, nurse their calves and mate, is around the midsea banks south of Gotland. These results […]
Archives for December 2014
Cyanobacteria support zooplankton
New scientific publication in PLoS ONE shows that bloom-forming cyanobacteria in the Baltic Sea support the development and reproduction of zooplankton, (i.e. copepods, which are an essential link to fish). Title Bloom-Forming Cyanobacteria Support Copepod Reproduction and Development in the Baltic Sea Abstract It is commonly accepted that summer cyanobacterial blooms cannot be efficiently utilized […]
Planning tool for underwater noise
On 26 november 2014 HELCOM organized a workshop in Helsingfors on underwater noise. The aim of the workshop was to carry out a stock-taking of on-going activities for the MSFD descriptor D11, and based on this to discuss and plan the development of joint regional monitoring as well as the next steps for development of […]