AquaBiota was responsible for field studies and for modeling and production of habitat maps in this project led by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
This project aimed at modelling the distribution of organisms and habitats at Swedish offshore banks in the Baltic Sea. The modelling was based on a video inventory commissioned by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency during 2004–2005.
Based on the inventory data, the distribution of important plant and animal species were modelled using GRASP (a method for spatial prediction from generalised regression analysis).
The result is comprehensive maps of the distribution and abundance of species, and quantitative information on the extent of different habitats. The results will be used for regional and national planning of environmental protection and exploitation.
Coverage of hard bottom organisms, Finngrundet, results from modelling.
Fresh water sponges and brown algae, Bothnian Bay (Photo: M. Isaeus).
Reports (in Swedish):