Oliver Zielinski: Baltic Sea research: From understanding to perspectives

The Baltic Sea plays a crucial role both as an ecosystem and for human well-being. As one of the most dynamic and sensitive coastal seas worldwide, it supports a rich array of marine species and provides essential ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and critical habitats for various organisms. The Baltic Sea also significantly influences regional climate patterns, acting as a heat and carbon sink, and affecting local weather conditions. However, the Baltic faces growing threats from pollution, habitat degradation, eutrophication, and the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels and warming waters. Research on the Baltic Sea is vital to understanding these complex challenges, protecting its ecosystems, and managing resources sustainably.

The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde (IOW) is a marine research institute founded in 1992 with a focus on coastal and marginal seas. It is a member of the Leibniz Association and is responsible for environmental monitoring in the German Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Baltic Sea on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, fulfilling commitments under the Helsinki Convention. Through its marine research, IOW serves as a bridge between Western and Eastern Europe and is an important partner for other Baltic Sea states in joint project planning. IOW conducts research on the functioning of marine ecosystems, with a special emphasis on the Baltic Sea as a model system. The research aims to provide new insights into the coupling and interactions between coastal seas, land, and the atmosphere, focusing on past, present, and future dynamics. The results will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in general and the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) in particular. Key research infrastructures include the research vessel Elisabeth Mann Borgese, various measurement stations in the Baltic Sea, laboratory and measurement equipment, and research databases.

On January 1, 2024, the new ten-year research program, Perspectives of Coastal Seas, was launched. The structure of the new program includes three interdisciplinary research areas, the full integration of shallow water research into these areas, the consolidation of marine technology and monitoring activities into a marine observation unit, and the interdisciplinary format of the Baltic Challenges. The new research program reflects a transformative approach to Baltic Sea research, shifting from traditional studies toward a more integrated, forward-looking framework that combines scientific understanding with actionable perspectives. Implementing this program, the institute seeks to address both fundamental scientific questions and practical challenges facing the region, with a particular focus on the shallow water zones—an area between the coastline and a water depth of approx. 20 meters that accounts for 32% of the Baltic Sea. This region is crucial for understanding the dynamic interactions between land and sea but has historically been difficult to study due to its complex and rapidly changing conditions.

The institutes program is structured across three research areas: Key Processes Across Scales, Coastal Seas in Transition, and Emerging Technologies. The latter includes the use of advanced methods to study fundamental processes, new technologies for metrological recording, and the integration of these findings into high-resolution models. IOW seeks to harness the potential of digital technologies and data science. A key ambition is the development of a Digital Twin of the Baltic Sea, a virtual model that integrates diverse observation systems, real-time data, and intelligent analysis to create comprehensive, multi-dimensional representations of the Baltic's marine environment. This Digital Twin would not only enhance scientific understanding but also support decision-making processes by providing science-based scenarios for stakeholders and policymakers. The new research program also expands its commitment to dialogue, societal engagement and impact orientation. New communication and participation platforms will invite the involvement of citizens and stakeholders in the research process, enabling them to contribute to the creation, realization, and evaluation of scientific projects. This co-design or participatory approach, through initiatives like citizen science and real-world laboratories, reflects the growing importance of inclusive research models that align with societal needs and priorities.

Overall, IOW’s new research program on the Baltic Sea is marked by its holistic vision: to provide actionable insights through an integrated understanding of coastal and marine processes, innovative technologies, and broad stakeholder engagement. It aims not only to deepen scientific knowledge but also to translate that knowledge into perspectives and solutions that can help address regional and global environmental challenges.