Sailing to Almedalen Week on June 24, the Baltic Sea Contract Foundation team encountered the first algal bloom of the year.
A sad reminder that the Baltic Sea environment is in bad shape – a sign of a sea in imbalance.
The cause of large algal blooms is eutrophication, i.e. the release of large amounts of plant nutrients into our waters and into the Baltic Sea. In Sweden, agriculture is the largest source of nutrient leaching, but wastewater treatment plants, industry and individual sewers also contribute.
On July 5, surface accumulations of cyanobacteria were reported off e.g. Nynäshamn and in Arkösund.
Action is taking effect – but slowly
The Baltic Sea is in bad shape but there is also hope for improvement. Measures are being implemented by many actors such as – establishment of more wetlands that prevent nutrients from reaching the sea, improved treatment in sewage treatment plants, treatment from individual sewers, etc.
But more powerful political and other decisions and measures are needed to make the future sea for future generations
swimmable-fishable-enjoyable and create edible.
The Baltic Sea Contract Foundation works actively to contribute to the development of the Baltic Sea environment towards a healthier sea. The work is done by many people around the Baltic Sea pledging to treat the sea well, which eventually has an impact. When many of us take responsibility, we have the opportunity to influence different actors and decision-makers to take major and important decisions and actions to create radical improvement on the key issues:
Eutrophication-Large-scale industrial fishing-Toxins and chemicals.
Sign and share! – www.ostersjokontraktet.se!
Thank you for your participation and commitment!
