Managing Baltic sea ecosystem functioning
Regulation of rivers and eutrophication in river basins has resulted in dissolved silicate (DSi) loads to the Baltic Sea. This is partially to blame for the decrease of DSi stocks. Enhanced deposition in Baltic sediments due to marine eutrophicaton is another cause of reduced DSi stocks. Consequently, there are indications of species shifts in the Baltic such as an increase in the proportion of diatoms and a decrease in flagellates which has possible ecological effects on phytoplankton clusters. In light of this, the SIBER project has designed a brochure which summarises key project outcomes and demonstrates the importance of DSi in the ecosystem functioning of the Baltic Sea. Some main topics covered in the brochure include: current knowledge about the role of diatoms in the Baltic Sea ecosystems, reasons for future concern and factors regulating diatom production. The brochure may serve as a means for managers to enhance their knowledge regarding nutrient cycling. Although the proposed project is focussed on the Baltic Sea, where the DSi problem is easier to detect, the results have broader relevance regarding reported worldwide effects on coastal ecosystems.
