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Gulf of Bothnia

Align the growth of Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) planning with the expansion of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) network. Understand how climate change is reshaping where fish species live and how they feed and what this means for the future of fisheries in the region. 

Study area size: 117.000 km2   

Countries: Sweden, Finland 

 

Study area description

The Gulf of Bothnia is a shallow sea area in the northern Baltic Sea. It includes the Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea, separated by the shallow Quark. The water has very low salinity (the lowest for any sea area), due to large river inflow and limited exchange with saltier ocean water. The area often freezes in winter, especially in the north. Only a few marine species live here, while some freshwater species also survive in the brackish conditions near the coast.

The Gulf of Bothnia is an intensely used marine area. Shipping and maritime logistics are key uses, while fisheries remain important for coastal communities. The area is increasingly shaped by energy development, including offshore wind, alongside ongoing interests in resource extraction. Tourism and recreation contribute to the use of coastal and archipelago areas, while the region also holds strategic importance for defence activities. At the same time, the gulf supports valuable natural habitats and cultural sites.

                                                                         

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