Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is a large brackish inland sea located in Northern Europe. It is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean, and its basin is bordered by several countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Russia. It is the largest brackish water body in the world, with a surface area of approximately 415,000 square kilometers. This sea is a major transportation route and also serves as a crucial ecosystem for diverse marine life.

Amphipod – Iphimedia obesa

Pullet Carpet Shell – Venerupis corrugata

Warty Venus – Venus verrucosa

Walrus – Odobenus rosmarus

European Flat Oyster, Edible Oyster, Common Oyster – Ostrea edulis

California Sea Lion – Zalophus californianus

Eelpout – Zoarces viviparus

Black goby – Gobius niger

Sea Urchin – Gracilechinus acutus

Amphipod – Gammarellus homari

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Geography and Geology

The Baltic Sea is an endorheic sea, meaning it has no outlet to the ocean except through narrow straits. It is connected to the North Sea through the Danish Straits, which include the Kattegat, Skagerrak, and Øresund. The sea is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 55 meters and a maximum depth of 459 meters in the Landsort Deep. The Baltic basin was formed by the last glacial period, which ended about 10,000 years ago. The ice sheet carved out the basin and left behind a landscape of islands, archipelagos, and numerous inlets and bays.

Salinity and Water Temperature

The Baltic Sea is known for its low salinity, which ranges from 0.5% in the northernmost parts to 2% in the southern parts. This low salinity is due to the large influx of freshwater from rivers like the Neva, Vistula, and Oder. The Baltic Sea is also known for its relatively cold water temperature, which fluctuates seasonally. The average temperature in the summer is around 15-20°C, while in the winter, it can drop below freezing in the northern parts.

Fauna and Flora

The Baltic Sea has a unique ecosystem adapted to the low salinity and cold temperatures. The sea supports a variety of marine life, including fish, seals, and whales. Common fish species include herring, cod, salmon, and flounder. Harbor seals and grey seals are commonly seen along the shores. Occasionally, harbor porpoises and even bottlenose dolphins can be spotted in the sea. The flora includes various seaweed species, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.

Surrounding Countries

The Baltic Sea is bordered by nine countries:

  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Estonia
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Poland
  • Germany
  • Russia

Economic Importance

The Baltic Sea is a major economic resource for the surrounding countries. It is a significant transportation route for trade and tourism. Fishing is a significant industry in the region, although overfishing and pollution have led to concerns about the long-term sustainability of this sector. The Baltic Sea also has significant potential for offshore wind energy development.

Environmental Challenges

The Baltic Sea faces a number of environmental challenges, including pollution from industrial and agricultural activities, eutrophication (excess nutrients), and overfishing. Pollution from land-based sources, such as untreated wastewater and agricultural runoff, has led to high levels of nutrients in the Baltic Sea, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion. These issues have negative impacts on the marine ecosystem, including fish stocks and biodiversity. Efforts to reduce pollution, protect marine life, and promote sustainable management of the Baltic Sea are ongoing.