Large-scale regulation of food web processes in the Gulf of Bothnia ecosystem

Title: Large-scale regulation of food web processes in the Gulf of Bothnia ecosystem

Description: Large-scale ecological processes in the Bothnian Bay, such as the production of phytoplankton and bacterioplankton, are critical for the food web and, consequently, for fish and shellfish stocks. To understand these relationships, this project will utilise 30 years of data from Swedish environmental monitoring. The focus is to identify factors affecting plankton growth, such as light penetration, nutrient inputs, and organic carbon from rivers. Using advanced statistical models, the project will develop reference values for phytoplankton and bacterioplankton production and their balance.

This will provide a foundation for assessing the state of the Bothnian Bay and determining if measures are needed to ensure a sustainable ecosystem. The findings will also be integrated into existing coastal zone models for better predictions and management. The outcomes are expected to support more reliable decisions on environmental actions and management strategies, enhancing sustainable marine resource management.