Key underwater habitat types of the northern Baltic Sea
An assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem functions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21408653 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Laura Kaikkonen (0000-0002-4390-9295, University of Helsinki, corresponding author), Susanna Jernberg (0000-0003-4768-4596, Finnish Environment Institute, corresponding author), Fiia Haavisto (0000-0002-6153-7720, Metsähallitus (Finland), corresponding author), Christoffer Boström (0000-0002-2506-687X, Åbo Akademi University, corresponding author), Camilla Gustafsson (0000-0001-7308-3802, University of Helsinki, corresponding author), Suvi Kiviluoto (Metsähallitus (Finland), corresponding author), Kirsi Kostamo (Finnish Environment Institute), Sanna Kuningas (Natural Resources Institute Finland, corresponding author), Harri Kuosa (0000-0002-9641-9054, Finnish Environment Institute, corresponding author), Essi Lakso (Metsähallitus (Finland)), Annica Långnabba (Natural Resources Institute Finland, corresponding author), Henrik Nygård (0000-0002-4210-8875, Finnish Environment Institute, corresponding author), Mats Westerbom (0000-0002-3936-9396, Natural Resources Institute Finland, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-14 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | AMBIO (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0044-7447 • E-ISSN: 1654-7209 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s13280-026-02391-1 |
| PMID | 42133157 |
| OpenAlex | W7161158714 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 106 |
Effective management of marine ecosystems requires understanding linkages between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. While key species have been identified in many marine systems, the functions provided by different habitats have not been comprehensively synthesised in the region, limiting the ability to identify key habitats. Here, we assess the current state of knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystem functions associated with benthic and pelagic habitat types in the northern Baltic Sea. Drawing on literature, data and expert assessments, we evaluated 49 habitat types, identifying 750 habitat type-function linkages. Of these, 35% were supported by Baltic Sea literature and 29% by expert opinion, while one-third remained unassessed due to data gaps. Our findings highlight key habitat types with high functional importance and reveal major knowledge gaps and research biases across habitats. This synthesis provides a science-based foundation for marine spatial planning, ecosystem service assessment, and sustainable management of northern Baltic Sea biodiversity
Aquatic biodiversity research · Biodiversity · Ecosystem · Ecosystem services · Ecosystem-Based Management · Habitat · Marine ecosystem · Marine habitats · Coastal and Marine Management · Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies · Marine and fisheries research
The value of estuarine and coastal ecosystem services
Identifying ecologically valuable marine areas to support conservation and spatial planning at scales relevant for decision making
Long-term mesoscale variability of modelled sea-ice primary production in the northern Baltic Sea
Ipbes, 2019. Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Hypoxia in the Baltic Sea
Factors regulating the coastal nutrient filter in the Baltic Sea
Importance of coastal primary production in the northern Baltic Sea
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |