The Baltic Sea Science Congress invites scientists studying the Baltic Sea, or similar coastal sea systems, to share their results at this international and interdisciplinary forum!
We also invite the sharing of research from other coastal seas that is of general relevance to the topic of the Congress. In particular, we encourage presentations focusing on coastal and marginal seas that contribute to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
BSSC2021 focuses on five overarching themes:
Theme 1: Transition
Theme 2: Ecosystems
Theme 3: Contaminants
Theme 4: New technologies
Theme 5: Stewardship
For detailed descriptions of the themes, please see below or in the menu to the left.
The Baltic Sea constitutes a young ecosystem, which is constantly undergoing changes in response to climate variations and human activities. These changes affect all physical, chemical and biological components of the system as well as their interactions.
The theme focuses on understanding the past to describe the present situation and possibly predict the future behaviour of the Baltic Sea. This includes descriptive and experimental studies, using observations and/or models that aim to better understand the dynamic behaviour of the Baltic Sea, its coastal ecosystems and watersheds. The sessions under this theme will address topical questions such as:
The Baltic Sea is one of the world’s largest brackish inland seas and its coastal ecosystems display large salinity gradients. Temperature and ice conditions change markedly with latitudes. Geology and land use vary substantially in the drainage area with significant impact on material fluxes from land to sea. These settings allow for a diverse range of biological communities and ecosystem configurations.
The theme focuses on understanding processes and functioning of the Baltic Sea watershed, coastal zone and open waters, including all aspects of eutrophication, acidification and food-web alteration. This includes studies of hydrodynamics, biogeochemistry, geology, and biology that aim to improve our understanding of the complex interplay of different drivers and processes shaping these ecosystems. Interdisciplinary studies are particularly welcome. The sessions under this theme will address key questions such as:
New chemicals and other substances are introduced at unprecedented rates along with legacy pollutants that are still circulating and impacting the Baltic Sea. The combination of the large catchment area and the low water exchange rate allows for higher concentrations of contaminants to build up in the Baltic Sea compared to other marine areas. Organisms inhabiting the Baltic Sea are exposed to complex mixtures of diverse chemicals with unknown consequences for the overall ecosystem functioning.
The theme focuses on identifying potential new sources and effects of contaminants to the marine environment. This includes studies assessing short-term (acute), medium-term and long-term effects of different harmful substances (e.g. heavy metals, radionuclides, dumped chemical munition, persistent organic pollutants, emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, nanoparticles and plastics) at the level of organisms, communities, ecosystem as well as on ecosystem functioning. Studies on bioaccumulation, biomagnification and associated biological effects are welcome. The sessions under this theme will address basic questions such as:
The continuous development of new technologies enhances the potential for improving our understanding of marine processes and the state of the Baltic Sea. This involves omics approaches, in-situ sensors, remote sensing, autonomous underwater vehicles, buoys and platforms as well as infrastructure and algorithms to facilitate access to information.
The theme focuses on presenting novel techniques supporting research and monitoring, with emphasis on their potentials as well as limitations/challenges. This includes studies of applying new technologies under various conditions and the experiences gained. Studies that address cost-benefit analyses of implementing new technologies are particularly welcome. The sessions under this theme will address urgent questions such as:
The Baltic Sea is exposed to multiple pressures, of which some can be managed on a regional level whereas others require global actions. The Baltic Sea has a unique history of managing different pressures through international agreements on emissions, maritime activities and fisheries. Effective management of human activities in the Baltic, today and in the future, is needed to ensure a sustainable use of ecosystem services.
This interdisciplinary theme focuses on measures for managing human activities and the effects they have on the ecosystem. The theme also addresses mitigation measures for pressures that can only be partially managed. Studies addressing the cost-efficiency of different management options and studies considering management from an integrative holistic socio-ecological view are particularly welcome. The sessions under this theme will address timely questions such as:
