Åland’s bays even more eutrophic than before, study reveals

Lichen algae in a shallow sea bay in Åland
An annelid in a shallow bay in Åland in summer 2022, photo: Alexandra Pihlajamäki

A study by Åbo Akademi found a decrease in the number of finfishes and an increase in the number of frigatefishes in Åland bays.

Åland’s bays are becoming increasingly eutrophic, a recent study reveals.

According to a study by Åbo Akademi, eutrophication of Åland’s bays has increased over the past twenty years.

The study was carried out last summer at Åbo Akademi Biological Station in Finström Husö, Åland, on behalf of the Åland Provincial Government.

For example, the number of filamentous algae had increased in places where there had not been much of it before. Algae are important for many fish seeking food and shelter, but they are sensitive to eutrophication.

Åbo Akademi intends to continue the research work during this year. The new study aims to get a more up-to-date picture of the state of the sea bays in different parts of Åland.