Imagine trying to protect a giant underwater garden, but you don't have a map of where the rarest flowers are or where the pests are attacking. This work creates a high-tech map and a rulebook for seven countries to coordinate their efforts. It helps them pick the best spots to protect so that fish and plants can actually recover and thrive across borders.
Companies operating in the Baltic Sea face regulatory uncertainty as the region must double its protected area coverage in just 8 years. Lack of clear, shared data on where these zones will be creates operational risk.
A data availability matrix and a conceptual cascade model linking ecosystem components to pressures. They also developed a species/habitat modelling method.
If you are a shipping company dealing with changing maritime regulations and restricted zones — this project developed a data-driven protection map that clarifies where protection is needed. This allows for better route planning to avoid sensitive areas and ensure compliance with new EU biodiversity targets.
If you are a consultancy dealing with complex biodiversity offset requirements for clients — this project developed an ecosystem services assessment method. You can use these mapping tools to quantify the real benefits of restoration projects for your clients.
If you are a fleet manager dealing with unpredictable catch zones due to new protected areas — this project developed a regional protection blueprint. This helps you understand the long-term spatial planning of the Baltic Sea to adapt your business strategy to the 30% protection target.
Based on available project data, there is no pricing information provided as the project is funded by an EU contribution of EUR 8,481,917 for public benefit.
The project provides concrete and replicable support, suggesting the methods for gap analysis and spatial modelling can be applied to other marine regions.
Based on available project data, the project aims to ensure long-term access to the evidence base, but specific licensing terms are not listed.
It supports the EU Biodiversity Strategy target of 30% spatial coverage of marine protected areas, which will directly influence regional zoning laws.
The project is active from 2023-08-15 to 2028-08-14.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward public and academic entities, featuring 20 partners from 7 countries. With 7 universities and 2 research institutes, the focus is primarily on scientific evidence. Business involvement is very low, with only 1 industry partner and 1 SME (a 5% industry ratio), indicating that the output is currently a policy and science tool rather than a commercial product.
Contact the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM)
Contact us to track the release of the Baltic Sea spatial data tools.
