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Layman's report


In this publication we are presenting a summary of the project activities and the main results in four languages:  English, Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian.

 

 

            

 


 

BOOK - See the Baltic Sea. Unique assets we share.

In frame of the LIFE–Nature project “Marine Protected Areas in the Eastern Baltic Sea” has been produced the book "See the Baltic Sea. Unique assets we share". Therefore, despite the fact that the authors address the Baltic Sea as a unique, complex and interconnected ecosystem, the book highlights the Eastern Baltic perspective. The main messages of the book are derived from research carried out by the Baltic scientists within the project, transferring these findings in more understandable language, illustrated with lots of pictures and interesting facts about each feature.

The book has been produced in five languages: English, Lithuanian, Latvian,  Estonian and Russian.

                     

 

 

Management plans

The project teams have elaborated management plans in six marine areas, two in each country (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), where the sites are described in details and management measures proposed.

In Latvia management plans are developed for marine protected areas "Nida - Pērkone" and "West Coast of the Riga Gulf". At the moment plans are submitted for approval to the Latvian Ministry of the Environment. Management plans in Latvian language and maps are available here.

Marine Protected Areas are being designated first time in Latvia, and they will occupy a large aquatic area. Therefore, fears of different stakeholders how this will influence economy and coastal development are understandable. In frame of development of both management plans we carried out assessment of socioeconomic impacts of the designation of both Marine Protected Areas and implementation of nature conservation measures.  The study aims was to answer the question, whether designation of Marine Protected Areas will really interfere with development of the territory. Summary of study in English (pdf).

In Estonia management plans are elaborated for "Küdema Bay Limited Conservation Area" and "Väinamere Limited Conservation Area". The plans are submitted for approval to the Estonian Ministry of the Environment and to the Environmental Board. Management plans in Estonian language are available here. 

In Lithuania  management plans are elaborated for "Marine waters along the continental part of Lithuania" and "Marine waters along Curonian Spit". Management plans in Lithuanian language are available here.
 

Information boards

Information boards are placed at 28 strategic locations along whole coastline of the Baltic States. Information boards contain information about biological values in the marine protected areas. They are illustrated with pictures, graphs and maps.

 

               
Author: Z. Morkvenas                                  Author: M.Kuris                                 Author: J.Artemjevs

 

Video Encyclopedia "See the Sea" about Biological Values of the Eastern Baltic Sea


The Baltic Sea is home not only to sprat, flounder and blue mussels but also to many rare species and habitats that have significant role in preserving the ecological balance of the sea.

In the frame of project we made video encyclopaedia "See the Sea" in five languages.  20 clips presents different biological values of the Eastern Baltic Sea and is aimed at helping better understand the necessity to protect them.

Video encyclopaedia is placed on the webpage www.visitbalticsea.net and on YouTube: See the Sea! Ieraugi jūru!  Märka merd! Pamatyk jūrą! Загляни в море!



 

Posters of marine habitats

In Estonia posters introducing three marine habitat types of EU importance were prepared. The posters are meant for schools, nature schools, information centres etc. dealing with information dissemination about marine environment.

Posters (in Estonian language):

Sandbanks covered by seawater (1110)

Mudflats and sandflats not covered by seawater at low tide (1140)

Reefs (1170) 

Proposals for new marine protected sites designation or modification of existing ones


The result of the inventories and threat assessments is a proposal of several new marine protected areas or modification of already existing ones:

In Estonia the project team concluded that the already existing marine protected areas do not have to be modified in their borders. However, their functions have been specified by new data and information on the habitats and species. For instance, new breeding sites of rare birds have been discovered during the project.

In Latvia, where earlier no marine Natura 2000 areas existed, seven new marine protected areas have been proposed, out of which three areas are for bird protection only, two for habitats protection only and two are sites where a multitude of species and habitats shall be protected. More information ->

In Lithuania the project team proposed to modify the existing marine protected areas in size and boundaries, as well as in their purpose: a special site shall be established to protect the migration area of Twait shad (Alosa fallax), a very rare and ecological valuable fish species. And a large bird area is proposed in front of the Curonian Spit, where large agglomerations of wintering birds have been observed. More information ->.

 

Final project action reports

A.1. Training of Project staff, Russian partner capasity building
A.2. Benthic habitat inventory (summary)
A.3. Waterbird inventory
       Annex 1 – Ship survey methodology and principals for territories delineation 
       Annex 2 – LIFE project results for territories in Estonia 
       Annex 3 – LIFE project results for territories in Latvia
       Annex 4 – LIFE project results for territories in Lithuania
       Summary: A.3. action – Waterbirds inventory
A.4. Marine mammals Inventory
       Annex 1 – Harbour porpoise survey 
       Annex 2 – Grey seals survey 
       Annex 3 – Ringed seals survey 
       Summary: A.4. action - Marine mammals inventory
A.5. Fish community inventory
       Annex 1 - Locations of survey sites
       Summary: A.5. action – Fish community inventory
A.6. Elaboration of GIS database and maps (summary)
A.7. Development of management plan concept for MPAs and elaboration of management plans and individual protection proposals for selected project sites (summary)

C.1. By-catch assessment and reduction of its impact (summary)
C.2.Assessing of possible impact of constructions and dumping of dredged material on habitats of community importance (summary)
C.3. Disturbance impact to waterbirds and seals assessment (summary)
C.4. Transboundary pollution assessment (summary)

D.1. Alternative fishing (summary)

 

Other reports

* Cofinancing report for Latvian Ministry of Environment, 2005 (in Latvian)
* Cofinancing report for Latvian Ministry of Environment, 2006 (in Latvian)
 

Project progress reports

Final report

Reports for European Commission:

  • Final report - This report covers the action rezults during the all project time, 01.08.2005- 30.11.2009 (in English)
  • INTERRIM report - This report covers the action rezults during the third years of the project, 01.08.2005-28.02.2007 (in English). 

Flyer for the fishermen about the by-catch (in three languages)

* Flyer in Latvian
* Flyer in Estonian
* Flyer in Lithuanian

Informational flyer about the project (in four languages)

* Informational flyer in English
* Informational flyer in Latvian
* Informational flyer in Estonian
* Informational flyer in Lithuanian

 

BEF Life Natura