Human activities significantly alter Baltic Sea seabed

Researchers from Kiel University have studied the southwestern Baltic Sea using advanced hydroacoustic methods. Their findings show that human activities leave long-lasting effects on the seabed. This study is important for understanding how these changes impact marine life. The research found that about 36% of the examined areas are affected by human actions, such as fishing, shipping, and waste disposal. The results were published in the journal Continental Shelf Research. The study raises concerns about how well the marine environment can recover from these disturbances. The team investigated a large area of 2,189 square kilometers, focusing on the Kiel Bight, the Mecklenburg Bight, and the Flensburg Fjord. Giuliana Andrea Díaz-Mendoza, the first author, noted that the images clearly show modifications to the seabed due to these activities. More than 91% of the observed impacts were from bottom trawling. This includes marks from various fishing gear. The researchers also recorded other signs of human influence like anchor marks and pipelines. These disturbances can persist for years, indicating that recovery may be slow. The study combined new hydroacoustic data with satellite information and previous studies. Professor Dr. Christian Winter emphasized that traditional assessments often miss smaller disturbances on the seafloor. The high-resolution imaging provides a clearer picture of human impact. This research brings together significant data about the southwestern Baltic Sea. It aims to help in understanding the effects of human activity on the environment. The findings underline the need for ongoing research to balance human use with the health of marine ecosystems.