New solutions to marine problems

The aim of the project is to develop new technology and new methods for uniform management of Baltic Sea resources that can also be used for other marine areas.

Two of the issues being addressed by the project are how ocean ecosystems can be sustainably managed, and what potential is offered by new technologies and new collaborations.

Among other things, the researchers want to study how fish stocks are impacted by fisheries, climate change or other disruptions of the ecosystem. How are seabirds and other parts of the ecosystem affected by changes in fish communities, and how can we ensure that birds, fish and industry have the resources they need to cope with change?

The researchers are using an offshore drone to gather detailed data to be collated with existing data on fish communities, seabirds, and other ecosystem components. The scientific information with then be combined with information from the fishing industry. They hope this will enable them to find new solutions to save marine ecosystems.

The researchers also believe that achieving real change will require more than mere knowledge. A dialogue must also be established with all stakeholders. The project will therefore be involving the fishing industry, civil society, and stakeholders from the public sector, with a view to developing innovative forms of collaboration.

The aim is to develop new methods capable of helping to achieve UN global sustainability goals.

The project involves collaboration between Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).