A cleaner Baltic Sea

Everyone can do something for the Baltic Sea, at the very least put their rubbish in the bin.

The City of Espoo accepted the Baltic Sea Challenge in 2007 and, since then, the city has had an action programme for the Baltic Sea. The current period is coming to an end and the programme for the new period, 2024–2028, is being planned.

“The city does a lot for the Baltic Sea as part of its own work, also through legislation, and its action programmes provide additional protection. During the current period, for example, sewers have been added to carpet washing sites and there have been measures to eradicate the rugosa rose from beaches,” says Miina Fagerlund, limnologist at the City of Espoo.

Fagerlund wants to correct the notion that nutrient loading comes mainly from other countries by the Baltic Sea.

“The majority of the load on our nearby coastal waters originates from Espoo’s own land areas. Residents have a big impact on the condition of Espoo’s coastal waters.”

One significant factor that residents can influence is the stormwater that is formed in built-up areas. This includes water flowing from roofs and asphalt surfaces.

“Stormwaters do not go to a wastewater treatment plant, as is often believed, but rather are discharged untreated into bodies of water and ultimately into the sea. For example, water from washing a car should not enter stormwater drains at all and no rubbish or cigarette butts should be thrown into the drains.”

The good news for the wellbeing of the Baltic Sea is the new Blominmäki wastewater treatment plant. Its cleaning results are better than before particularly in terms of nitrogen, which is a nutrient that increases eutrophication, especially in the outer archipelago.

1. Collecting rubbish from nature and eradicating alien species, such as the Himalayan balsam and rugosa rose, from beaches and the banks of streams will improve the state of marine nature.
2. Bay barnacles can be prevented from sticking to the bottom of a boat by washing it with a brush instead of using toxic paints. Toxic paints are harmful to all aquatic organisms.
3. Consider whether dredging in your shore area is necessary. Dredging removes vital vegetation and habitats for fish and birds.

Read more about stormwater management on a property

Text: Minna Saano

Video: Tero Ikäheimonen

This article has originally been published in the Espoo Magazine 3/2023.
Read other articles in the Espoo Magazine.