Talks, session 4

Thursday, 22 August
14:00 – 15:30
Aula Magna left hall

BONUS SEAM – Towards streamlined Baltic Sea environmental assessment and monitoring

BONUS SEAM Mats Lindegart

Environmental monitoring is fundamental for developing policies and sustainable governance of the marine environment, its biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. While monitoring is ideally long-term and persistent, new pressures and threats to the marine environment are constantly emerging as result of changing economic and social driving forces. These elicit new policy-responses and -frameworks that impose additional challenges on the monitoring system, often without a corresponding raise in funding. Therefore, monitoring systems need to be optimised in terms of scope, precision and representativity in order to adapt to changing policy landscapes, but also make use of technological progress on novel, cost-efficient sampling methods, often developed within a research context. From this perspective, the BONUS SEAM project is (1) preparing an analysis and synthesis of the extent to which current Baltic Sea monitoring supports contemporary environmental policies, such as the WFD, MSFD and the BSAP, (2) identifying opportunities to apply new technologies and (3) developing strategies and realistic recommendations that will enable the Baltic Sea monitoring to better match the policy requirements.

FUMARI BONUS: What new technologies are needed to advance the Baltic Sea monitoring and status assessment

Kristian Meissner, Finnish Environment Institute; Laura Uusitalo, Finnish Environment Institute; Harri Kuosa, Finnish Environment Institute; Timo Pyhälahti, Finnish Environment Institute; Jenni Attila, Finnish Environment Institute; Daniel Hering, University Duisburg Essen; Sebastian Birk, University Duisburg Essen; Leoni Mack, University Duisburg Essen; Maria Kahlert, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Leonard Sandin, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Antonia Liess, Halmstad University; Kari Eilola, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Lena Viktorsson, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Anna Willstrand Wranne, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute

FUMARI is an EU BONUS synthesis project that will propose a revised monitoring system of the Baltic Sea using novel methods. We map gaps based on a review of relevant Baltic Sea reports and the scientific literature, as well as survey results from key stakeholders, focussing on the monitoring requirements set in legislation and existing monitoring and data management programs. The gaps will identify insufficiently monitored and missing indicators, and descriptors currently not covered by Baltic Sea marine monitoring or legislation. We review and provide an overview of novel monitoring methods addressing the gaps. An implicit requirement of novel monitoring technologies is that they should be reliable, spatially extensive, precise and cost-efficient. However, objective evaluations of cost-efficiency are lacking. We review 1100 scientific papers (2000-2018) to establish methods used to assess the cost-efficiency of monitoring methods and evaluate the argument of cost-efficiency for novel methods. Ultimately these findings will be combined into a suggestion of fit for purpose novel methods to include into a revised monitoring system of the Baltic Sea.

Chemical sensors for ocean science

Steffen Aßmann, Kongsberg Maritime Contros GmbH, Germany

Scientific applications require robust characteristics of the used sensor technology for execution of reliable studies and monitoring projects. Especially the determination of carbonate system parameters or chemical parameters in general, the oceanic environment has high demands on the used technology. To fulfill these requirements, the CONTROS chemical sensors are continuously further developed and optimized. This work is supported by development projects such as the BONUS PINBAL project from which the HydroFIA pH evolved. This analyzer finds now application in the follow-up project BONUS INTEGRAL for long-term monitoring of the pH value in the Baltic Sea. In the EU funded project AtlantOS, the HydroFIA TA is undergoing a full characterization and further improvement for autonomous use. The analyzer has been applied in various studies generating total alkalinity datasets with a spatial and temporal resolution in coastal and oceanic water bodies that has never been achieved before. For high quality measurements of CO₂ in seawater, the NFS project Carbon Seaglider has been granted including the modification of the HydroC CO₂ for the glider platform.

Designing and testing Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for locating and monitoring Submarine Groundwater Discharge

Rudolf Bannasch, Evologics, bannasch@evologics.de

Michal Latacz, NOA; Jan F. Schröder, CAU; Ralf Prien, IOW; Joonas Virtasalo, GTK; Benedykt Hac, Instytut Morski; Klaus Hinsby, GEUS

The BONUS SEAMOUNT project focuses on the design and testing of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) with bionic drive systems mimicking the gentle movement of manta rays and squids. The AUVs are specifically tailored for locating and monitoring submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and the potential associated loadings of nutrients and other pollutants to coastal waters.
Several studies indicate that submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) may contribute significantly to pollutant loadings to the Baltic Sea, potentially resulting in poor chemical or ecological status at least locally. However, locating and quantifying SGD is difficult. Hence, new efficient and innovative technology for locating and monitoring SGDs is warranted. The technical part of the BONUS SEAMOUNT project focuses on designing and testing Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for locating and monitoring SGDs and their potential loadings of pollutants. SGDs are well known from especially the Eckernförde Bay in Germany, but little is known from other areas of the Baltic Sea. New studies conducted in BONUS SEAMOUNT show clear indications of SGD at the Southern coast of Finland and some indication of SGD in the Horsens Fjord estuary in Denmark. Here we present the status of new developments on bionic drive systems for AUVs mimicking the gentle movement of manta rays and squids with integrated adaptable sensor setups for location and monitoring of SGD and associated pollutant transport.

Ocean Radar WERA System

T. Helzel, Helzel Messtechnik GmbH, helzel@helzel.com

L. Petersen, Helzel Messtechnik GmbH; Jan Widera, Helzel Messtechnik GmbH; M. Kniephoff

The ocean radar technology is already widely used, in particular for the monitoring of surface currents of the coastal ocean up to 200 km off-shore. But there is much more potential in this technology than just monitoring, e.g. off-shore operations can get benefit from;

more reliable forecasts of currents achieved by data assimilation of the accurate radar data with high temporal and spatial resolution
an automatic Eddy detection method which can identify zones of up- or down-welling
improved wave forecasting based on radar data from up to 100 km off-shore
the surface current information can be used to provide drift predictions, useful for Search and Rescue operations or environmental protection issues.

The coastal zones can benefit for the Tsunami detection feature of this technology. The ocean radar can even detect Meteo-Tsunamis already at a distance of 100 km off-shore, depending on bathymetry.

Finally the ocean radar can be used for target detection as well. In such a dual-use operation it is possible to detect and track ships behind the horizon, far behind the microwave radar coverage. By means of suited software suspicious targets can be identified, such as illegal fishing or potential smuggling.

All these applications require the integration of this sensor into other monitoring or surveillance systems. Samples for these various applications are shown and can be discussed.

Sailing meets science - Innovative Ocean Monitoring

Stefand Raimund, SubCtech GmbH Germany

The world ocean is a major sink for anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂). The ocean has taken up nearly 50% of all man made CO₂ since the beginning of the industrial revolution. Furthermore, it is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic are littered annually into the ocean; only 1% of that plastic is actually found on the surface of the ocean. Those numbers are only rough estimations derived from available (but fragmentary) data. Models and predictions depends strongly on precise and frequent measurements of representative areas of the world ocean. This is especially true for the secluded southern ocean which is deplorable underrepresented in scientific observation attempts.

Ocean races as the Vendee Globe, the Barcelona Ocean Race or the Volvo Ocean Race, take place nearly every year. During those sailing events, boats crossing the southern ocean and are therefore interesting platforms for ocean surface observations. SubCtech developed a compact, robust and light weighed underway system, especially designed for the harsh conditions on board small sailing vessels. The underway system can be equipped with a large number of sensors, including conductivity, temperature, pCO₂ and fluorescence. The system can also control a bypassed filter unit for micro plastic particles.

Here, we will present our “sailing meets science” concept and will show selected results obtained during the Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18 (v.o.65 racing yachts), the Route du Rhum 2018 (IMOCA 60 yacht “Malizia”) and during the “Iodysseus” campaign in 2019.

Thursday, 22 August
16:00 – 17:00
Aula Magna left hall

Inorganic suspended matter over the Baltic Sea derived from satellite data indicates coastal influence

Susanne Kratzer, Stockholm University, Susanne.Kratzer@su.se

Dmytro Kyryliuk, Stockholm University; Carsten Brockmann, Brockmann Consult

We have developed a new algorithm to derive inorganic matter from satellite data over the Baltic Sea. The images can be used to map and evaluate the effect of coastal influence. The method is of interest for coastal zone management. It can also be used to evaluate the effect of climate change which leads to an increase in extreme storm and flooding events, and thus increased coastal run-off.

The Baltic Sea is optically dominated by coloured dissolved organic matter. However, in coastal areas suspended particulate inorganic matter (SPIM) also has a large optical influence. The influence decreases with distance from the shore.

The concentration of SPIM is directly related to particle scatter which can be measured from space. We derived a Baltic Sea specific algorithm between SPIM and scatter at 440 nm measured in situ and applied this algorithm to remote sensing data.

The generated Sentinel-3 images show that most of the SPIM falls out rather close to the shore. The satellite images clearly highlight those coastal areas that are most strongly influenced by terrestrial matter. Differences between the NE and the SE Baltic proper can be explained by the difference in hydrology and bathymetry and the influence of wind-wave stirring. The method is of interest for coastal zone management and for assessing the effect of seasonal changes onto coastal run-off. It can also be used to evaluate the effect of climate change which has led to an increase of extreme storm and flooding events that are usually accompanied by increased erosion and run-off from land.

ITT Baltic+ Salinity Dynamics: Evaluating quality and usability of SMOS SSS fields in the Baltic Sea

Pekka Alenius, Finnish Meteorological Institute, pekka.alenius@fmi.fi

Laura Tuomi, Finnish Meteorological Institute; Verónica González-Gambau, BEC & Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC; Estrella Olmedo, BEC & Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC; Justino Martínez, BEC & Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC; Carolina Gabarró, BEC & Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC; Antonio Turiel, BEC & Institute of Marine Sciences, CSIC; Manuel Arias, Argans; Rafael Catany, Argans & National Oceanography Center; Diego Fernández, European Space Agency

The Baltic+ Salinity Dynamics project generates a dedicated Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) satellite based product for the Baltic Sea. The product is validated against open access in-situ data. We present an up-to-date Baltic+ SSS product. The project contributes to the ESA Climate Change Initiative SSS that aims to create the longest up-to-date SSS global time series, too.

The Baltic+ Salinity Dynamics project aims at generating a dedicated Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) satellite based product for the Baltic Sea. It is a challenging task due to issues related to the low sensitivity of L-band TB at SSS changes in cold waters, land-sea and ice-sea contamination and high contamination by Radio-Frequency Interferences (RFI) sources. The representativeness of the product needs to be assessed because SMOS data represents the first centimetres while in-situ data comes from 1 m depth or deeper.

A prototype product includes three years of satellite data. The limits and benefits of the product is analysed against HELCOM in situ data, which gives perspectives for temporal and spatial variability and coast-open sea gradients of the surface salinity field. The SMOS SSS products will be validated against other open data from e.g. EMODnet and Baltic Sea Argo programmes.

We present up-to-date Baltic+ SSS product and discuss its quality control and its impact and added value with respect to other existing EO-based datasets. The project gives important added value to the ESA Climate Change Initiative SSS that aims to create the longest up-to-date SSS global time series.

Monitoring of carbon fluxes and eutrophication in the Baltic Sea with Sentinel satellites

Sampsa Koponen, SYKE, sampsa.koponen@ymparisto.fi

Jenni Attila, SYKE; Kari Kallio, SYKE; Carole Lebreton, Brockmann Consult; Carsten Brockmann, Brockmann Consult; Dagmar Mueller, Brockmann Consult; Constant Mazeran, SOLVO; Petra Philipson, Brockmann Geomatics; Thomas Neumann, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research; François Steinmetz, Hygeos

Satellite data can be used in the monitoring of the state of the Baltic Sea through parameters such as turbidity, Chlorophyll a and CDOM. These are related to land-to-sea fluxes of carbon in the coastal zone. The goal of the SeaLaBio project is to develop methods for assessing carbon dynamics and eutrophication in the Baltic Sea through integrated use of EO, models, and ground-based data.

The Sentinel satellites of the Copernicus programme offer an excellent opportunity for monitoring the state of the Baltic Sea. The current constellation provides daily coverage in moderate resolution (S3 OLCI with 300 m pixels) and twice-weekly coverage in high resolution (S2 MSI with 10-60 m pixels) with spectral characteristics suitable for estimating turbidity, Chlorophyll a and CDOM. These are related to the land-to-sea fluxes of carbon that occur in coastal zones. The goal of the ESA funded project Sea-Land Biogeochemical linkages (SeaLaBio 2018-2020) is to develop methods for assessing carbon dynamics and eutrophication in the Baltic Sea through integrated use of EO, models, and ground-based data. We will present the first results on the following topics:

-Improvements in atmospheric correction and in-water bio-optical inversion of satellite data in the complex absorbing waters of the Baltic Sea

-Synergistic use of S2 and S3 for Level-2 products in order to improve the coverage in coastal regions

-Comparisons of EO, model (Ecological ReGional Ocean Model, ERGOM) and in situ data in order to investigate how well carbon dynamics can be inferred from satellite data

Radar remote sensing of the wind and wave field parameters in the Baltic Sea

Sander Rikka, Department of Marine Systems at Tallinn University of Technology, sander.rikka@ttu.ee

Rivo Uiboupin, Department of Marine Systems at Tallinn University of Technology; Andrey Pleskachevsky, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Remote Sensing Technology Institute; Victor Alari, Department of Marine Systems at Tallinn University of Technology; Sven Jacobsen, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Remote Sensing Technology Institute; Tarmo Kõuts, Department of Marine Systems at Tallinn University of Technology

Empirical methods have been used to estimate meteo-marine parameters using data from the remote sensing radar systems. The comparison of radar-derived wave heights and wind speed with measured values show high agreement with correlation coefficients r over 0.85 and r over 0.90 correspondingly. The study shows that radar data provide more information about the spatial variability of the wave field.

In this work, data from remote sensing radar systems, such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from X-band TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X and C-band Sentinel-1 A/B, as well as from coastal marine radar, have been used to adopt or develop and validate the algorithms for estimating significant wave height in the specific wave field conditions of the Baltic Sea where short steep sea state dominates.

The total significant wave height is retrieved with empirical algorithms which are based on the spectral analysis of subscenes as well as on local wind information.

Radar-derived wave height results were compared with collocated in situ data from available sea state measurements stations. Spatial comparison with SAR data was carried out using WAM or SWAN wave model results. The comparison of radar-derived wave heights with measured wave heights shows high agreement with a correlation coefficient r over 0.85. The wind speed estimated from SAR images also yields good agreement with in situ data (r over 0.90).

The study shows that the sea state retrievals from radar data provide additional information about spatial variability of the wave field in the coastal zone compared to other data sources.

Friday, 23 August
11:15 – 13:00
Aula Magna left hall

Argo floats in the northern Baltic Sea: focus on hydrography and ice

Petra Roiha, Finnish Meteorological Institute, petra.roiha@fmi.fi

Laura Tuomi, Finnish Meteorological Institute; Simo Siiriä, Finnish Meteorological Institute; Pekka Alenius, Finnish Meteorological Institute; Noora Haavisto, University of Helsinki; Tero Purokoski, Finnish Meteorological Institute

The FMI Argo floats are used in the Baltic Sea since 2012 and nowadays the Argo missions are taking place in the Bothnian Sea, the Bothnian Bay and the Gotland Deep. The floats are complementing the existing observational network in spatial and temporal scales. During the winter 2017/2018 the floats in the northern basins were using successfully the ice avoidance algorithm during their missions.

The Argo floats have been used to measure hydrography of the Baltic Sea since 2012. The first long term deployment took place in the Bothnian Sea and since then the FMI long term missions have been taking place in the Bothnian Sea, the Bothnian Bay and the Gotland Deep.

The FMI floats are equipped with temperature, salinity, pressure sensors and GPS. Some floats have also oxygen and turbidity sensors. The floats currently measuring the Bothnian Sea and the Bothnian Bay are also successfully using the ice avoidance algorithm. During the winter 2017/2018 the floats were staying submerged during the ice covered season and started again profile measurements after the ice season was over.

The Argo floats are complementing the existing observational network consisting of monitoring cruises, moorings and buoys. In the Baltic Sea the floats are measuring on average one profile a week. The measurement interval can be increased to be up to one profile per two hours when studying smaller scale dynamics. The Argo floats measurement areas are typically in the deeps, where the currents do not usually cross the isobaths.

An increasing role of Argo floats in Baltic Sea oceanographic observations

Waldemar Walczowski, Institute of Oceanology PAS, walczows@iopan.pl

Ilona Goszczko, Institute of Oceanology PAS; Malgorzata Merchel, Institute of Oceanology PAS; Piotr Wieczorek, Institute of Oceanology PAS; Daniel Rak, Institute of Oceanology PAS

After 3 years of using Argo floats in the Southern Baltic, it can be stated that they are a useful tool in monitoring this area, especially the Baltic depths. We present the experience of Polish oceanographers related to the operation of Argo floats in a shallow, limited water area with a strong picnocline.

The introduction of research methods used in the oceans is often difficult or impossible in the Baltic Sea. Devices designed to work in the oceans are Argo floats. These autonomous probes drift freely on the selected 'parking depth', and every given period of time perform profiling up to 2000 m, emerge and transmit data via satellite. By 2018, the global Argo system had transferred 3000000 CTD profiles to databases.

The Baltic Sea was not intended for the operational use of Argo. However, the European program Euro-Argo decided to place the Baltic Sea among the priority research directions. Experiences of oceanographers from Finland and Poland indicate that these floats can work well in the Baltic Sea conditions. The first floats launched by Poland could not penetrate through pycnocline. Only the use of floats with a large bladder and application of special settings allowed for the elimination of this problem. There were no major problems related to the proximity of the shore or the presence of vessels. After 3 years of using Argo floats in the Southern Baltic, it can be stated that they are a useful tool in monitoring this area, especially the Baltic depths.

An approach for a bottom water oxygen indicator for shallow open-sea waters – the Arkona Sea as an example

Joachim Kuss, IOW, joachim.kuss@io-warnemuende.de

Ulf Gräwe, IOW; Volker Mohrholz, IOW; Robert Mars, IOW; Siegfried Krueger, IOW; Detlef Schulz-Bull, IOW

Shallow open-sea waters below 60 m depth show strong variability. This reflects a difficult basis to deduce the eutrophication status by an oxygen indicator. Each year in the Arkona Sea in late summer a rapid decline of oxygen in denser bottom waters is observed. An approach is discussed to sum up oxygen deficit times from hourly oxygen measurements as a criterion if GES is achieved.

The area of interest is characterized by shallow waters outside coastal waters with a maximum depth of 50 to 60 m, thus beyond the sea areas with a permanent halocline at about 80 m depth. The Arkona Sea shows strong spatial and temporal variability which reflects a difficult basis to deduce the eutrophication status by an oxygen indicator. Each year, following the productive phases of spring and summer, below the strong thermocline a rapid decline of oxygen in denser bottom waters is observed. Thereby, currents are shifting the bottom water body northward and southward within a few days. It is concluded that seasonal or even monthly monitoring are not able to cope with the variability and require support by permanent observation using moorings or fixed stations on selected positions or by high-resolution 3D-modelling. Using hourly oxygen values measured at the MARNET Arkona Sea platform, an approach is discussed to add up hours with oxygen below the threshold value of 4 mg/L oxygen to give a monthly deficit time as a criterion if a “Good Environmental Status” is achieved.

eDNA-metabarcoding for biodiversity monitoring

Johan Näslund, AquaBiota Water Research, johan.naslund@aquabiota.se

Micaela Hellström, AquaBiota Water Research; Nicklas Wijkmark, AquaBiota Water Research; Cecilia Edbom Blomstrand, AquaBiota Water Research; Johan Spens, Limnordic AB

All organisms leave traces of DNA in their environment which can be analysed in order to identify which species that are present. The technique is called environmental DNA or eDNA and has undergone rapid development in recent years. We present the results from several studies using eDNA-metabarcoding for aquatic biodiversity monitoring in the Baltic Sea and connected rivers.

All organisms leave traces of DNA in their environment which can be extracted and analysed in order to identify which species that are present in a given environment. The technique is called environmental DNA or eDNA. The methodology has undergone rapid development in recent years and is now an operational biodiversity monitoring methodology for several species’ groups. Work on European standards for aquatic eDNA-monitoring is currently ongoing. We present the results from several eDNA-metabarcoding projects where we surveyed community compositions of fish and mussels in running waters connected to the Baltic Sea and at nearshore locations along the Swedish Baltic Sea coastline. Results from eDNA-samples of fish communities show a larger species richness than traditional inventory methods using gillnet fishing and is non-destructive. The detection rate of both rare and bottom-dwelling species of fish using eDNA-metabarcoding has proven especially high. Considering that the costs already today are comparable with traditional monitoring methods, we foresee a rapid expansion of eDNA in Baltic Sea biodiversity monitoring as a complement to traditional monitoring methods.

Ship wake analysis using an array of nearbed sensors

Maarja Kruusmaa, Tallinn University of Technology, maarja.kruusmaa@ttu.ee

Kevin Ellis Parnell, Tallinn University of Technology; Asko Ristolainen, Tallinn University of Technology; Margus Rätsep, Tallinn University of Technology; Tarmo Soomere, Tallinn University of Technology

We use an array of 9 bottom mounted pressure and velocity sensors on a 5 × 5 m grid to evaluate the basic properties and spectral composition of vessel wakes of passing ships. We show that ships of different type have different signatures, and that the speed, distance and other characteristics of vessels can be determined remotely using the recordings of such an array of sensors.

Ship wake characteristics are frequently evaluated using single down-looking devices or underwater pressure sensors. Most studies focus on the general properties or spectral structure of the wakes (to determine ship’s speed and distance), and some attempts have been made to establish individual vessel characteristics based on the spectral signatures. We describe an option of using an array of bottom mounted sensors to specify properties of wakes and the potential use for this approach for the security of navigation.

In this study we deployed an array of 9 simultaneously recording sensors on a 5 × 5 m grid at Pikakari Beach, Tallinn Bay, Estonia. The sensors recorded inter alia pressure fluctuations and a proxy of the water velocity. Wake events were associated with individual ships using Automatic Identification System data. Results are compared with a study from 2009 that used a single beam down-looking sonar. We discuss the extra information about a ship that can be extracted from the recordings of a multi-sensor array. This infor

mation makes it possible to evaluate the distance to the vessel and in many occasions to identify the particular vessel.

The first overview of the microplastic pollution in the Estonian waters in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea.

Inga Lips, Tallinn University of Technology, inga.lips@taltech.ee

Kati Lind, Tallinn University of Technology; Polina Turov, Tallinn University of Technology

In Estonia, MP monitoring from the sea surface layer using Manta net (333 µm) has been carried out since 2016. The seasonal and interannual dynamics of the MP at the sea surface in the Gulf of Finland will be presented. Also, the data obtained from several sheltered industrial harbour areas will be shown and the need for an agreed monitoring approach among the Baltic Sea countries discussed.

The number of studies to determine the amount, size and character of microplastics (MPs) in water and sediments in the Baltic Sea and to assess their impact on local biota and the whole food web is increasing. In Estonia, MP monitoring from the sea surface layer using Manta net (333 µm) has been carried out since 2016. The seasonal and interannual dynamics of the MPs at the sea surface in the Gulf of Finland will be presented. Also, the data obtained during research projects from several sheltered industrial harbour areas will be shown for comparison.

There is a strong need for an agreed monitoring approach, including sampling and analysis methods, among the Baltic Sea countries to be able to produce comparable assessments in the future. The issues to be discussed are as follows: whether to monitor one or several times per year, from designated coastal sea regions or also from sources (like WWTP effluent or stormwater inflows), and use of 333 µm Manta net or other sampling devices. Assessment of the impact of MPs on biota needs monitoring of ecologically relevant sizes of the particles – Is the present monitoring approach appropriate for this purpose? How small should we go?

Posters, session 4

Thursday, 22 August
17:00 – 19:00
Aula Magna floor 5

A device for measuring wind waves in the marginal ice zone

Victor Alari, Tallinn University of Technology, victor.alari@ttu.ee (presenter)

Jan-Victor Björkqvist, Finnish Meteorological Institute; Anne Kask, Tallinn University of Technology; Kristjan Mölder, WiseParker OÜ; Valdur Kaldvee, WiseParker OÜ

The region where ice and waves interact is called the marginal ice zone (MIZ). The concurring waves and ice in the Baltic Sea makes it a natural test bed for studying wave-ice feedback. We have developed a device that can be deployed on and in-between ice floes, as well as in open water. The first comparisons to field pressure gauge data show that the buoy measures the sea state accurately.

The region where ice and waves interact is called the marginal ice zone (MIZ). Information about how storm-generated waves propagate through this zone is crucial for the safe navigation of vessels, or in the case an oil spills occurs in ice. Nevertheless, insufficient wave data severely limits our knowledge of this wave-ice interaction. Setting up experimental work in the Polar Regions is logistically and financially demanding. However, as waves and ice cover are concurring in the Baltic Sea, it forms a natural experimental and numerical test bed for studying wave-ice feedback. During the last year we have developed a device that can be deployed on and in-between ice floes, as well as in open water. The buoy hull is a fiberglass sphere containing the data acquisition and communication systems. The system logs data from an inertial measurement unit and a GPS, and sends the information to an FTP server through an LTE cellular network. The first laboratory and field experiments show that the buoy measures the sea state accurately; a comparison with 10 days of pressure gauge data from a field experiment showed a RMS-difference of less than 10 cm and a correlation coefficient of 0.99.

Using Hydrogeodesy to Understand Changes to Water Resources in the Baltic Basin

Saeid Aminjafari, Stockholm University, saeed.aminjafari@natgeo.su.se (presenter)

Fernando Jaramillo, Stockholm University

The basins draining into the Baltic Sea provide the freshwater needed for its coastal and Sea ecosystems. Here we exploit Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to unravel changes to wetlands and ecosystems in the Southern Swedish coast and the Polish coastline. These results will be important for water management, ecosystem restoration and adaptation to future climatic changes.

The basins draining into the Baltic Sea provide the freshwater needed for its coastal and Sea ecosystems. However, industrial, urban and agricultural expansions are severely degrading not only the quality of this freshwater but also limiting its supply and affecting hydrologic connectivity due to water regulations and infrastructure. Cutting edge hydrogeodetic tools can be used to assess large scale changes to water resources in coastal areas, however, the Baltic Region has up to date been overlooked regarding the use of these technologies. Here we exploit Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to unravel changes to wetlands and ecosystems in the Southern Swedish coast and the Polish coastline. Since the phase difference between two or more SAR scenes delivers information on wetlands and coastal water resources, we implement the double bounce mechanism and incoherent pixels to detect water level variations and wetland connectivity, and stacking of scenes to measure any surface deformation that is linked to groundwater depletion. These results will be important for water management, the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem restoration and adaptation to future climatic changes

Chemical sensors for ocean science

Steffen Aßmann, Kongsberg Maritime Contros GmbH, steffen.assmann@km.kongsberg.com

We present the latest development status of the CONTROS products for the parameters pH, total alkalinity (TA) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). These sensors and analyzers are especially designed for scientific applications and its specific requirements as found in e.g. ocean acidification studies or long-term monitoring programs.

Sentinel satellite possibilities for the status assessment of Northern Baltic Sea

Jenni Attila, Finnish Environment Institute, jenni.attila@ymparisto.fi (presenter)

Sampsa Koponen, Finnish Environment Institute; Hanna Alasalmi, Finnish Environment Institute; Vesa Keto, Finnish Environment Institute; Kari Kallio, Finnish Environment Institute; Eeva Bruun, Finnish Environment Institute; Samuli Lehto, Finnish Environment Institute; Saku Anttila, Finnish Environment Institute; Seppo Kaitala, Finnish Environment Institute

EU directive requirements compel to develop novel monitoring methods. In the ongoing WFD status assessment, Sentinel satellite data were utilized over Finnish coastal waters. Novel interfaces, TARKKA and STATUS, distribute and visualize the satellite-based information on e.g. chlorophyll-a as images, statistics and distributions. Results were validated against monitoring station observations.

To assess reliably and comprehensively the eutrophication of marine waters compel to develop and implement novel monitoring methods. The status assessment requirements set by WFD and MSFD concern all Baltic countries. In Finland, this means more than 250 coastal WFD water bodies owing to our fragmented coastline and archipelago. Only about 25% of these have reached the good ecological status - which sets actions by the directive and requires frequent monitoring. In the currently ongoing third WFD status assessment, VESISEN II and EU/H2020 EOMORES projects exploited the Sentinel satellite instruments over these waters. Novel interfaces, TARKKA (www.syke.fi/tarkka/en) and STATUS, distribute the Earth Observations (EO)-based information on chlorophyll-a, Secchi depth, humus and turbidity. The STATUS interface visualizes the EO data statistics and distributions together with station and flow-through data collected within water area. The interfaces are linked to the national WFD assessment system. Cross-comparisons between coastal reference stations and EO will be complemented with open Baltic Sea stations in 2019. We will present a summary of the validation results and the interfaces.

Composition and distribution of marine litter in Gulf of Riga

Marta Barone, Daugavpils University agency Latvian Hydroecology institute, marta.barone@lhei.lv (presenter)

Ieva Putna-Nīmane, Daugavpils University agency Latvian Hydroecology institute; Juris Aigars, Daugavpils University agency Latvian Hydroecology institute

The aim of this research is to assess composition and distribution of marine litter in the surface water in Gulf of Riga, territory of Latvia, using chemical digestion of organic material and filtration method, and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy method. Concentrations of microlitter vary between 0,4 to 6,23 particles/m³. Most of microlitter particles consisted of syntetic polymers.

The aim of this research was to assess composition and distribution of marine litter in Gulf of Riga, territory of Latvia. Samples were taken with Manta trawl (300 µm) in 10 surface water stations in Gulf of Riga, territory of Latvia to representatively cover coastal and open waters. Thereafter, chemical digestion of organic material and filtration method was used to collect particles that afterwards were counted under light microscope. Results show the presence of marine litter in all samples. The amount of particles varies from 0,4 particles/m³ to 6,23 particles/m³. Biggest concentrations of particles are observed near costal recreational sites and river estuaries; dispertion of particles in sample stations more distant from the coast is observed. The visual method gives limited possibility to identify particle composition. Therefore, 576 visually identified particles were analysed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy method. Most of particles consisted of different polyetylene compounds and degradation products (60,24%). Relatively smaller group was polypropylene particles (13,19%). Rubber (1,22%), palm wax (1,22%) and polystirol (0,52%) particles were also identified.

Technology for measuring the fine structure of water from a moving vessel

Vadim Paka, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, vpaka@mail.ru

Alexey Kondrashov, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Andrey Korzh, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Alexander Podufalov, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Maria Golenko, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (presenter); Michail Lander, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Sergey Obleukhov, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology

As a rule, measurements from the moving ship course are carried out to obtain data on the structure of waters on extensional transects, and for this purpose towed scanning probes are used, controlled either by a winch or by means of hydrodynamic devices. At that, tasks requiring high resolution are assigned a secondary role for the reason that this may slow down the sounding or raise its cost.

A method is proposed for measuring the parameters of the fine structure in the vertical sounding mode from the moving ship, which develops the capabilities of the Underway CTD system, the disadvantages of which we consider are the need for a special CTD model with low-inertia sensors, limited sensor composition and unreasonable complexity of mechanical components. The system we offer allows working with standard multiparameter probes, providing them with the ability to dive at a constant speed of about 1 m/s recommended by the manufacturer.

The halyard or cable raising device operates according to the same principle as longline haulers used in rise of longlines on fishing vessels. The tests were carried out with probes SST 48 Mc and Idronaut 316.

Atmospheric correction uncertainty in mapping chlorophyll-a concentration in lakes using Sentinel-2 data

Dalia Grendaitė, Vilnius University, dalia.grendaite@chgf.vu.lt (presenter)

Edvinas Stonevičius, Vilnius University

Remote Sensing techniques are becoming important in monitoring inland freshwaters. However, the use of satellite data for water quality mapping is limited by uncertainties in atmospheric correction. Our study results show that lake reflectances derived using the Acolite increase in bands commonly used for retrieval of chlorophyll-a concentration, while it decrease in data derived from the Sen2Cor.

Remote Sensing techniques are becoming very important in monitoring inland freshwaters that are heavily affected from anthropogenic activities. The opportunity to get more frequent data about the state of these freshwaters not only allows us to investigate the changes in these systems but also can provide us with information whether these waters are safe to use. However, remote sensing approaches are still not used widely and often need to be validated for each site.

The Sentinel-2 data is freely available; however, the use of it for water quality mapping is limited by the uncertainties in atmospheric correction. In this study we aim to compare the Acolite and Sen2Cor atmospheric correction methods and estimate how it affects the uncertainty of retrieved chlorophyll-a concentration. The study results show that lake reflectance derived using the Acolite processor increases in bands commonly used for the retrieval of chlorophyll-a conce

ntration – B4, B5, and B6, while reflectance derived using the Sen2Cor processor decreases. The differences are larger over eutrophic lakes and smaller over mesotrophic lakes.

Development of a common toolbox to validate forecast products and reanalysis within the Baltic CMEMS group

Simon Jandt, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, simon.jandt@bsh.de (presenter)

Svetlana Verjovkina, Tallinn University of Technology; Priidik Lagemaa, Tallinn University of Technology; Ina Lorkowski, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency; Ludwig Schenk, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency; Frank Janssen, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency; Tuomas Kärnä, Finnish Meteorological Institute; Lars Axell, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Saeed Falahat, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Vibeke Huess, Danish Meteorological Institute; Inga Golbeck, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency; Adam Nord, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute

The validation and monitoring of developments of forecast and reanalysis products is a major part of the operational procedure within the Baltic consortium under EU’s Copernicus Marine Service. In order to create comparable results throughout the various versions of the delivered products within this service we created a common validation toolbox for physical and biogeochemical parameter. The validation and monitoring of developments of forecast and reanalysis products is a major part of the operational procedure within the Baltic consortium under EU’s Copernicus Marine Environmental Service (CMEMS).

The CMEMS’ Baltic Monitoring and Forecasting Center (BALMFC) consortium consists of five institutes. This BALMFC consortium provides near-real-time forecasts of physical, biogeochemical and wave parameter twice daily as well as physical and biogeochemical reanalysis products that are updated in yearly intervals.

In order to create comparable results throughout the various versions of the delivered products within the CMEMS program we created a common validation toolbox for physical and biogeochemical parameter. Up to this point, the validation toolbox was based on MATLAB code and focused on the CMEMS internal validation process. During the last year, we decided to rebuild our toolbox using Python. This offers the opportunity to include additional developers from the member institutes.

On our poster, we want to show procedures, which are already part of the validation procedures for various product upgrades as well as first appliances with the new Python tool.

BONUS FUMARI – Improving Baltic Sea monitoring: gaps between requirements and praxis

Maria Kahlert, SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, maria.kahlert@slu.se (presenter)

Kari Eilola, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Antonia Liess, Halmstad University; Leonard Sandin, SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Helena Strömberg, SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Lena Viktorsson, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Anna Willstrand Wranne, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Kristian Meissner, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE

The gap analysis of the BONUS FUMARI project will be used to to recommend focus areas to achieve a sustainable marine environment of the Baltic Sea as a whole. Special focus is on the need for novel or revised monitoring methods in the existing monitoring programs.

FUMARI is an EU BONUS project with partners from several Baltic Countries and coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute SYKE. The aim of BONUS FUMARI is to propose a revised monitoring system of the Baltic Sea marine environment as a whole, with improved spatial coverage, comparability, sensitivity and cost effectiveness. We present the results of a gap analysis focusing on the monitoring requirements set in international legislation(s) and the existing monitoring and data management programs. Our gap analysis is based on a systematic review of relevant Baltic Sea reports and of the scientific literature, and additionally on a stakeholder survey. With this analysis we will answer the question if all priority areas or pressures in the Baltic Sea marine region are adequately covered by the existing international legislation, if there is a need for novel or revised monitoring methods in the existing monitoring programs, and if there are general problems in cooperation and coordination. Our gap analysis will be used to recommend focus areas to achieve a sustainable marine environment of the Baltic Sea in international cooperation.

https://www.syke.fi/projects/bonusfumari.

Preliminary results on the analysis of novel methods as standard routines in Baltic Sea monitoring in the frame of Bonus-SEAM – IOW contributions

Joachim Kuss, IOW, joachim.kuss@io-warnemuende.de (presenter)

Barbara Hentzsch, IOW; Detlef Schulz-Bull, IOW; Matthias Labrenz, IOW; Peter Feldens, IOW; Gerald Schernewski, IOW; Ralf Prien, IOW; Malte Pallentin, IOW; Klaus Jürgens, IOW

In the frame of Bonus-SEAM selected Bonus projects were scrutinized according to their methodological improvements and novel techniques suitable for future monitoring. It is elaborated if the new methods already addressed specific Helcom-indicators or if measurements of new parameters were proposed. - First compilations and interpretations are given and are aimed to be discussed with the audience.

Based on an agreed questionnaire within Bonus-SEAM the Bonus projects AFISMON, PINBAL, ECOMAP, INTEGRAL, MICROPOL, SEAMOUNT, and BLUEPRINT were scrutinized according to their methodological improvements and novel techniques suitable for monitoring. New instruments and methods for physical and chemical measurements for vertically as well as horizontally profiling systems and new sampling devices for molecular biological analysis were developed. It is elaborated if the new methods already addressed the determination of specific Helcom-indicators or if measurements of new parameters were proposed for future monitoring, likely suitable to describe or indicate an anthropogenic disturbance.

Thereby, the state of the development of the method or apparatus was identified – test phase, already commercially available or implemented in routine measurements. The way of improvement is figured out, e.g., higher cost-effectiveness or increased temporal spatial data resolution or a new indicative parameter. Does the new method already consider calibration and quality assurance methods? - First compilations and interpretations are given and are aimed to be discussed with the audience.

BONUS FUMARI – Improving Baltic Sea monitoring: Novel monitoring methods

Leoni Mack, University of Duisburg-Essen, leoni.mack@uni-due.de (presenter)

Jenni Attila, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE; Sebastian Birk, University of Duisburg-Essen; Florian Leese, University of Duisburg-Essen; Antonia Liess, Halmstad University; Olli-Pekka Mattila, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE; Timo Pyhälahti, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE; Anna Willstrand Wranne, Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute; Daniel Hering, University of Duisburg-Essen

We characterize and rate novel monitoring methods to assess their ability to supplement or replace currently applied methods or to provide novel data to fill current monitoring gaps. Furthermore, we address the monitoring of novel ecosystem elements like emerging pollutants or ecosystem services. Stakeholders are integrated in the entire project to increase the impact and user-relatedness.

The aim of the multinational BONUS FUMARI project is to make a proposal for a renewed monitoring system of the Baltic Sea marine environment. We use key stakeholder inputs to identify gaps in current monitoring and review novel monitoring methods. These novel monitoring methods are evaluated based on the ability to supplement or replace currently applied methods or to provide novel data to fill current monitoring gaps. Our review includes DNA-based methods, Earth Observation, autonomous platforms and devices, profiling systems, isotope tracing, machine learning and citizen science. The novel methods are characterized and rated based on their reliability, added value, indicative value, applicability and cost-efficiency in comparison to the currently applied methods. Furthermore, we address how ecosystem services and emerging pollutants like microplastic can be monitored. During the entire project, we integrate stakeholder views and needs to increase the overall impact and user-relatedness of the final output. In addition, the results of our method characterization and rating will be made openly available as a searchable online database. "

Ecotechnologies for the recovery and reuse of carbon and nutrients from wastewater and agriculture: findings from two systematic maps

Biljana Macura, Stockholm Environment Institute, Sweden, biljana.macura@sei.org (presenter)

Mikolaj Piniewski, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland; Solveig L. Johannesdottir, Research Institutes of Sweden

Pollution of the Baltic Sea continues to be a problem. Major terrestrial sources of nutrient emissions to the Baltic Sea are agriculture and wastewater, both major causes of eutrophication. Here we present preliminary findings from two recent systematic maps collating evidence on ecotechnologies for recovery or reuse of carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater and agriculture.

Pollution of the Baltic Sea continues to be a problem. Major terrestrial sources of nutrient emissions to the Baltic Sea are agriculture and wastewater, both major causes of eutrophication. With the EU’s action plan for a circular economy, there is growing attention on the reuse of carbon (C), phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) from waste streams. As a part of Bonus Return project (www.bonusreturn.eu), we conducted a comprehensive and systematic mapping of literature on ecotechnologies for nutrient and energy recovery and reuse. The evidence base for ecotechnologies for C, P and N recovery and reuse from wastewater included 481 relevant articles. The number of studies of energy recovery ecotechnologies was larger than that of nutrient recovery. The most common way of reusing nutrients was through biosolids or treated wastewater. The evidence base for ecotechnologies used in agriculture included 338 relevant studies. Ecotechnologies for recovery of N and P were more prevalent than for C recovery. The most common eco-technologies were anaerobic digestion and composting (including vermicomposting), whereas the most common substrate was manure.

Improvement of Tilt Current Meters (TCM) for multipurpose use

Valeriy Nabatov, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, valeriynabatov@rambler.ru

Vadim Paka, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Alexey Kondrashov, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Andrey Korzh, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Alexander Podufalov, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Sergey Obleukhov, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology; Maria Golenko, Shirshov Institute of Oceanology (presenter)

An improved design of Tilt Current Meters with adjustable sensitivity, promising for multipurpose use, is offered.

An improved design of TCM with adjustable sensitivity, promising for multipurpose use, is offered. The constructive feature of our model is a cylindrical shell that perceives the hydrodynamic pressure. Inside the shell there are the instrument module and the buoyancy module, which position determines the sensitivity of the instrument. It is known that flow past a cylinder forms a vortex wake, and the cylinder performs self-oscillations producing a noise. The negative effect is suppressed if a cylinder is perforated. The model makes possible current measurements in the range of 2-30 cm/s with an error of about 3%, having the positive buoyancy module as low as it allows to have stable zero deviation in standing water. At the velocity of 30 cm/s, the inclination angle reaches 70°, which is the limit for the specified error. To measure higher speeds, the buoyancy module should be fixed at the upper part of the shell, but at the same time the accuracy of measuring weak currents decreases.

Development of benthic monitoring strategies in the Baltic Sea

Henrik Nygård, Finnish Environment Institute, henrik.nygard@ymparisto.fi

Mats Lindegarth, University of Gothenburg (presenter); Alexander Darr, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemunde; Grete E. Dinesen, Technical University of Denmark; Ole R. Eigaard, Technical University of Denmark; Inga Lips, Tallinn University of Technology

Monitoring and assessment procedures are well established for soft-bottom macrobenthic infauna, but present marine policies also require assessments of other inadequately monitored habitat types. BONUS SEAM analyses how current benthic monitoring fit the management needs, aiming at proposing improvements towards monitoring strategies able to provide a holistic assessment of seafloor integrity.

Benthic monitoring has long traditions in the Baltic Sea and soft-bottom macrofauna was among the first variables to be included in the Baltic-wide HELCOM COMBINE monitoring program. Whereas monitoring methods, programs and assessment procedures are well established for soft-bottom macrobenthic infauna, present marine policies, e.g. the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), also require assessments of other, currently inadequately monitored, broad habitat types.

The BONUS SEAM project is exploring the policy needs, current monitoring and potential new methodologies to propose how monitoring programs can be developed to better account for the policy demands. A specific task of BONUS SEAM, targeted at benthic habitat monitoring, is to critically analyse how current monitoring activities fit the present management requirements. The aim is to propose routes for improvements towards monitoring strategies able to provide a more holistic assessment of seafloor integrity.

Possibilities of measurements for pine pollen grains in the waters of the southern Baltic Sea

Magdalena Pawlik, Pomeranian University in Słupsk, magdalena.pawlik@apsl.edu.pl (presenter)

Dariusz Ficek, Pomeranian University in Słupsk

Results of laboratory measurements of size distributions and volume concentrationsof pine pollen grains occurring in high concentrations in the Baltic Sea waters in late spring are presented. Large concentrations of pine pollen grains,which until now, have not been taken into consideration, can strongly modify the color of water and can lead to erroneous interpretations of remote sensing data.

Pine pollen covers large areas of the Baltic waters in spring. Not considering the presence of pine pollen grains can give rise to serious errors in remote measurements of water composition and properties. However, so far the concentration of pollen grains in sea water have been very poorly researched.In this study, size distributions and volume concentrations of pine pollen suspensions are measured using the LISST‐100X, the Coulter Counter and the microscope. What’s more, based on an experiment with a series of laboratory mixtures containing various concentrations of pollen collected from the tree with the samples of sea water collected in the Baltic coastal zone during pine pollinating time, we improve the method for estimating surface concentration of pine pollen in the waters of the southern Baltic Sea. The results of the LISST-100 show good agreement with the microscopic and Coulter Counter results for volume concentration and size distribution of pine pollen. Furthermore, our experiment reveal that the method yields reliable estimation of pine pollen concentration allowing the distinguish between pine pollen and other particles in size range from 1.25 to 250 µm.

A Method for Significant Wave Height Estimation from Circularly Polarized X-band Coastal Marine Radar Images

Sander Rikka, Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology, sander.rikka@ttu.ee (presenter)

Rivo Uiboupin, Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology; Tarmo Kõuts, Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology; Kaimo Vahter, DepartmDepartment of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology; Siim Pärt, Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology

Circularly polarized X-band coastal marine radar data have been used to develop an empirical algorithm for estimating significant wave height (SWH) in the Tallinn Bay in the Gulf of Finland directly from radar images. In situ data from 3 buoys were used in the algorithm tuning process. The method validation with independent datasets showed high correlation values (r > 0.80, RMSE < 0.3 m).

Circularly polarized X-band coastal marine radar data have been used to develop an empirical algorithm for estimating significant wave height (SWH) in the Tallinn Bay in the Gulf of Finland directly from radar images. Since sea state is mainly dominated by slight (WMO-3) windsea, the traditional methods where backscatter intensity variance spectrum is transferred to wave spectrum have drawbacks. The empirical SWH retrieval algorithm uses image spectrum parameters as well as the Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) statistics of the radar signal intensity. In total, 1678 collocation pairs from 3 buoys representing variable wave height conditions were used in the algorithm tuning process. The comparison of radar-derived SWH with measured SWH shows high agreement with a correlation coefficient r of 0.78 (RMSE – 0.23 m) for tuning dataset. The method validation with independent datasets from January and June showed high correlation values (r > 0.80, RMSE < 0.30 m). In case of SWH > 0.5 m the validation resulted in higher correlation (r > 0.90) and lower RMSE (from 0.15 m to 0.21 m). The spatial variability of wave height from radar imagery is demonstrated based on the commonly occurring north-western storm.

Recent developments of the biogeochemical CMEMS-Baltic Sea Forecast products

Fabian Schwichtenberg, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, fabian.schwichtenberg@bsh.de (presenter)

Anja Lindenthal, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency; Thorger Bruening, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency; Simon Jandt, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency; Patrik Lejungemyr, Swedish Meteorological Institute; Ilja Maljutenko, Department of Marine Systems, Tallinn University of Technology; Ina Lorkowski, Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency

This poster gives a detailed overview about the ongoing developments of the biogeochemical forecast products of the Baltic Monitoring & Forecasting Centre, an international consortium of five institutes. The results are based on the ocean circulation model Nemo coupled to the ecosystem model ERGOM.

Within the framework of the Copernicus Marine and Environmental Service (CMEMS – marine.copernicus.eu) the Baltic Monitoring & Forecasting Centre (BAL-MFC) provides near real time forecast products for physical and biogeochemical parameters. The involved institutes are the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), the Swedish Meteorological Institute (SMHI), the Department of Marine Systems of Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI).

In order to create the biogeochemical near real-time products the BAL-MFC consortium is running the ocean circulation model Nemo coupled to the ecosystem model ERGOM with 1 NM horizontal resolution. They include hourly data of 60 hour forecasts of chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate and secchi depth and has been recently extended by net primary production, pH and pCO₂.

This poster shall give a detailed overview about the quality improving progress and new parameters of the biogeochemical near real-time products. It shall also give a brief outlook about the upcoming improvements of the next two years."

Monitoring for research, surveillance and management

Lena Viktorsson, Swedish meteorological and hydrological institute, lena.viktorsson@smhi.se (presenter)

Kari Eilola, Swedish meteorological and hydrological institute; Anna Willstrand Wranne, Swedish meteorological and hydrological institute

One of the world’s most modern research vessels R/V Svea is launched by Sweden in 2019. We will present the national environmental monitoring done by the SMHI oceanographic unit. We will also discuss the new scientific resources onboard the R/V Svea and the possibility for researchers to join the SMHI cruises.

One of the world’s most modern research vessels R/V Svea is launched by Sweden in 2019. The vessel will support marine research and environmental monitoring in the Skagerrak, Kattegat and the Baltic Sea. We will present the national environmental monitoring done by the SMHI oceanographic unit and discuss the new scientific resources onboard the R/V Svea.

The vessels main activity will be recurrent ecosystem investigations by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI). SMHI carries out monthly cruises with focus to monitor water quality using standard water sampling equipment and autonomous measurements e.g. with Ferryboxes and moving vessel profilers under way. The possibility to use the novel monitoring methods in future environmental monitoring is discussed in collaboration with other institutes around the Baltic sea and in the BONUS FUMARI project where partners from SMHI are involved.

In order to enhance the use of the vessel researchers can also participate on the SMHI cruises to perform own research and have a possibility to discuss plans of separate sampling and ship tracks.

Red algae in hard bottom communities of the northern coast of the Sambian Peninsula (South-Eastern Baltic Sea)

Alexandra Volodina, Shirshov Insitute of Oceanology, RAS, volodina.alexandra@gmail.com

There are 4 red perennial algae species in the Russian part of South-Eastern Baltic Sea: Furcellaria lumbricalis, Coccotylus truncatus, Hildenbrandia rubra, Polysiphonia fucoides. Other red algae species (Ceramium tenuicorne, C. virgatum, Chroodactylon ornatum, Aglaothamnion roseum etc) habits also in phytocenoses with green algae Cladophora rupestris and C. glomerata dominance.

The most species-rich algae communities of the Russian part of South-Eastern Baltic Sea are developed along the northern coast of the Sambian Peninsula only, in the vicinity of Cape Taran, where hard bottoms match with the euphotic zone, expanding till 12 m depth in 2008-2016. There are 11 red algae species in a study area. Perennial ones are: Furcellaria lumbricalis, Coccotylus truncatus, Hildenbrandia rubra, Polysiphonia fucoides. P. fucoides and F. lumbricalis dominates from 1.5 to 10.0 m depth. C. truncatus, F. lumbricalis are the most deeply distributed perennial species in the study area. A spatial coverage of the C. truncatus is very low, < 1%. The highest F. lumbricalis biomass and coverage about 40-60% were marked at a shallower depth, than at the Lithuanian waters (2-6 vs 4-10 m). The areas, densely vegetated by F. lumbricalis, are limited by a small region adjacent to Cape Taran. Other red algae species (Ceramium tenuicorne, C. virgatum, Chroodactylon ornatum etc.) habits not only in the communities of F. lumbricalis and P. fucoides, but also in phytocenoses with green algae Cladophora rupestris and C. glomerata dominance. "

Last updated: August 19, 2019
Page editor: Mattias Renström
Source: Östersjöcentrum

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Baltic Sea Science Congress - Making connections for the future

Participants

Talks, session 4

Thursday, 22 August 14:00 – 15:30 Aula Magna left hall

Thursday, 22 August 16:00 – 17:00 Aula Magna left hall

Friday, 23 August 11:15 – 13:00 Aula Magna left hall