The current network of marine protected areas is disconnected and the sites are too small. Pelagic and deeper water species and habitats are unprotected.
By incorporating Oceana’s proposed areas, the total protection percentage in the Baltic Sea would increase from 12 to 13%.
The areas selected by Oceana include features that are currently underrepresented.
- Areas with high and distinctive biodiversity or that still have healthy oxygen levels (the Sound, Kattegat)
- Extension of existing protected areas to allow a full range of depths and ecosystems covered (Hanko peninsula), and new sites where protection is lacking (Åland islands)
- Offshore sites (Bothnian Bay deep) and extension of already protected areas (Ulkokrunni)
59 species and 16 habitats are threatened or in decline in the Baltic Sea.
There needs to be an immediate enlargement of the network of marine protected areas.