BB.lv: A third of the Baltic Sea is already dead

As WWF reported to LETA, the main focus of the ministerial talks was on the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan and setting priorities based on new results obtained as a result of the Holas3 comprehensive assessment of the state of the marine environment.

According to WWF, according to the Holas3 report, the Baltic Sea is currently in poor ecological condition and immediate action is needed to achieve expanded goals and improve the state of the marine environment. In almost all marine areas, fish populations are threatened and commercial fish stocks are unstable.

According to the report’s authors, the natural food web has been disrupted in some places. Massive growth of various types of algae, caused by excessive nutrient input into the water, has led to a lack of oxygen, decreased water clarity and the formation of large dead zones. A third of the Baltic Sea is already dead.

Climate change is exacerbating these direct threats to biodiversity. According to WWF, the Baltic Sea is warming faster than any other sea on the planet.

At the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting, WWF Baltic Sea Program Director Joanna Fox highlighted WWF’s concerns regarding the significant delay in the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan and reminded Baltic Sea decision-makers that they have a responsibility to step up action and ensure that the protection and restoration of Baltic Sea ecosystems The sea has become a priority for Member States – both financially and legally.

LETA has already reported that a HELCOM meeting was held in Riga, at which a declaration was signed confirming the commitment of the European Union HELCOM member states to continue to protect and improve the state of the Baltic Sea environment.