Description
There is a lack of adequate dataset on the seabed of the Gulf of Finland for evaluating and managing its state in reference with the ecosystem. Old data contain information on seabed morphology, geology of seabed sediments and content of important environmentally hazardous elements. The data have not been digitalized or systematically organized, and are thus difficult to be compared with results of present measurements. The aim of project is to compile a data model on the seabed of the Gulf of Finland and its environmental state. This will form the basis for proposals on actions regarding monitoring and evaluation of changes in the state of environment. Produced data layers will increase the awareness of decision makers, making possible integrated managing of the seabed. In addition, this project provides scientifically-based evaluation results on the state of marine environment and on monitoring measures. These are helpful in developing plans for sustainable use of seabed, and thus further for gaining or preserving a good state of seabed ecosystems. Planned co-operation with the NGU will be of assistance in improving the scientific quality of the project results.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is to maintain or achieve a good environmental status of marine regions by the year 2020. Every state has to develop and implement a strategy for its own marine area, for promoting sustainable use of the seas and conserving marine ecosystems. One essential goal of produced maps is to describe and identify the upper layer of bottom sediments as a habitat, on the basis of various chemical and physical characteristics. Compiled maps and datasets create opportunity for a possible management of potentially vulnerable ecosystem requires good background information from various fields of marine sciences and thereby increase awareness for understanding environmental status and management knowledge of the Gulf of Finland. The assessment for the MSFD principles by using the case of seabed exploitation and sedimentation in the Gulf of Finland was delivered by the end of the project. The assessment is essential for formation of Estonian maritime strategy and maintaining a good environmental status. One of the goals was to characterize bottom sediment lithology as a habitat on the basis of various chemical (nutrient content, and distribution) and physical characteristics. Produced data layers help to explain the formation of the bottom sediments and concentrations of elements within them. Completed studies also give information regarding the other pollutants and various chemical elements concentrations. The research mainly focused on sediment accumulation areas, sand and gravel deposits along with areas including Fe-Mn concretions. The analyses of radioactive elements, the major plant nutrients, and concentrations of macro- and microelements were carried out on samples collected during the marine expeditions. On the basis of produced maps and analyses the assessment that includes proposals for seabed monitoring and plans for designing protective actions was created. Outputs delivered: • Maps on bedrock geology and Quaternary deposits with explanatory notes and data layers • A geomorphological map with an explanatory note and data model • A map of seabed mineral resources with an explanatory note • A map of distribution of iron-manganese (Fe-Mn) areas with an explanatory note • A map on bottom sediment lithology with an explanatory note • Geochemical maps basing on existing material and new analyses Proposals for seabed monitoring and plans for designing protective actions
Summary of bilateral results
The Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) is a national institution for the seabed mapping. NGU has several ongoing marine projects on the continental shelf and in the fjords dealing with seabed mapping, sediment characterization, and environmental assessment of the ecosystem of Norwegian marine areas using modern mapping techniques, analytical methods, and modelling tools. NGU looks forward to disseminate these Norwegian experiences and learn about the Estonian marine ecosystem science approach. Such joint effort is likely to elevate the reliability of the ecosystem assessment of the Gulf of Finland. The Geological Survey of Norway shared the knowledge and experience on how similar seabed mapping and environmental assessment studies are undertaken in Norway as well as what the criteria are assessing environmental status of marine areas. Some of this knowhow was considered and used in the frame of the current project. The new set of up-to-date marine and environmental maps for the Gulf of Finland that has been presented in the frame of the project helps bringing the knowledge-based management of Estonian marine areas to the modern level. Mutually beneficial partnership between the geological surveys of Estonia and Norway, holding out a great promise for future studies in various fields of marine science and management, including studies of FeMn-concretions of Gulf of Finland and their scientific and economic potential. Gulf of Finland is a unique, environmentally sensitive ecosystem facing contamination stress due to dense population, various economic activities and intensive marine traffic. Best possible management of this potentially vulnerable ecosystem requires good background information from various fields of earth sciences as well as active collaboration and merging of datasets and best-practices from involved countries. The next step further from the current Estonia-centred marine project should be the international merger of marine dataset, environmental status, and management knowledge of the Gulf of Finland.