Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is a relatively small, semi-enclosed sea bordered by nine countries: Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Denmark, which makes it highly sensitive to environmental changes. The Baltic is believed to be one of the youngest seas on our planet formed during the last glacial period, approximately 12,000 years ago. Its ecosystem is a unique and complex mix of marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. The low salt concentrations in the water and the fact that the northern areas of the Baltic Sea partially freeze over during the winter are two characteristics that set it apart from other seas.
With a long history of overfishing, the Baltic Sea hosts a variety of fish species, including cod, herring, sprat, salmon, flounder, and perch. Cod, in particular, has been historically (and still is) important for Baltic fisheries. This sea also hosts a variety of marine mammals, such as seals and porpoises, as well as a rich birdlife.
It is estimated that there are tens of thousands of shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea, with many dating back hundreds of years which in most cases became natural habitats for marine life but also traps for fishing gear. The volunteer divers are running regular clean-ups on some of those wrecks as well as educational programs and exhibitions that can help raise awareness about the issue of ghost gear and its danger to marine life.
Protecting the biodiversity of the Baltic Sea is crucial for maintaining the health and resilience of this unique ecosystem and ensuring its long-term sustainability for future generations.
Germany
The German Baltic Sea, also known as the “Deutsche Ostsee” in German, is a significant and picturesque coastal region located in the northeastern part of Germany. With a coastline of about 2.389 kilometers, it is one of the longest coastlines in Europe. Moreover, several islands that are known for their beautiful sandy beaches and charming coastal towns, are located within the German Baltic Sea. Protected areas within this region are home to diverse flora and fauna.
The Ghost Diving Germany volunteer divers are a valuable partner to us and our marine conservation efforts. Their focus is the recovery of lost fishing gear from wrecks and the collaboration with other chapters. As divers, they directly witness how plastics, and especially lost fishing gear, is polluting the seas.
Poland
In 2019 a group of experienced, Polish divers launched Ghost Diving Poland. Their primary goal is to clean the Baltic Sea from ghost nets. Additionally, the team has a valuable cooperation with the Gdynia Akwarium. A standing exhibition about ghost fishing and circular economy solutions attracts visitors regularly and outreach programs solidify the efforts to educate the public about marine conservation.
The coastline of the Polish Baltic Sea is quite short with only 528 kilometers. Nevertheless, the ecological significance of the Bałtyk (Baltic Sea in Polish) is undeniable. Unfortunately, the entire Baltic Sea, including the Polish coast, faces environmental challenges such as eutrophication, algal blooms, and marine litter. Collaborative efforts with other Baltic Sea countries are ongoing to address these issues and protect the marine ecosystem.