State of the Baltic Sea – Second HELCOM holistic assessment 2011-2016
Key findings

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SUMMARY_EUTRO_NASA_balticbloom_oli_2015223_lrg_CROPPED

Nutrient inputs from land have decreased clearly, but effects are not yet reflected in the status of all sub-basins.

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SUMMARY_HAZ_BIELIK_Haliaeetus-albicilla_C-Korkosz_2815_CROPPED

The contamination status is elevated in all of the Baltic Sea, but some improving trends are seen.

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CHAPTER_5_BIODIV_Suortti-Laila_P3200972_CROPPED

Biodiversity status is inadequate for most assessed species, and continued efforts to support biodiversity are of key importance.

VIDEO: STATE OF THE BALTIC SEA 2011–2016

WHAT'S GOING ON?

Human activities contribute to society, to our well-being and economies; but they are also the main sources of pressures on the Baltic Sea environment.

Human activities and the ecosystem >

Pressures both from land and sea act on the Baltic Sea environment.

Assessment results on pressures >

Marine mammals, birds, fish and habitats show unfavourable status in most of the Baltic Sea.

Assessment results on biodiversity >

The Baltic Sea Impact Index estimates the cumulative burden on the environment of all pressures from human activities, and displays it on a spatial map.

Assessment of cumulative impacts >

Measures to improve the Baltic Sea environment are undertaken by actors at many levels; regional, national, county and local levels, as well as by initiatives in the private sector.

HELCOM actions for improvement >