Schwarzer, Klaus, Bohling, Bjoern and Heinrich, Christoph (2014) Submarine hard-bottom substrates in the western Baltic Sea - human impact versus natural development. Journal of Coastal Research, 70 . pp. 145-150. DOI 10.2112/si70-025.1.

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Abstract

Large areas of the seafloor in the western Baltic Sea are covered by lag deposits of Pleistocene origin, consisting of gravel, stones and boulders. From about 1800-1974, commercial extraction of stones and boulders from these shallow submarine areas was carried out. These activities have fundamentally changed the sediment distribution patterns and ecological conditions of the seafloor. Based on comparisons between old analogue and modern digital sidescan sonar images and direct abrasion measurements on the seafloor by scuba divers, the development of this hard-bottom substrate was studied on a decadal to seasonal scale. We show that due to abrasion processes the amount of boulders has been increased over a 22 year period. Thus, natural regeneration of hard-bottom substrate and improvement of the ecological status of the shallow marine environment is possible. This needs to be considered in order to reestablish a "good ecological status" as demanded by administrative guidelines like the EU Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Document Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Times Cited: 0 70 0
Keywords:	EU Water-Framework Directive habitat mapping lag deposits marine resources Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Seafloor abrasion
Research affiliation:	Kiel University > Kiel Marine Science OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence OceanRep > The Future Ocean - Cluster of Excellence > FO-R11 Kiel University
Refereed:	Yes
Open Access Journal?:	No
Publisher:	BioOne
Projects:	Future Ocean
Date Deposited:	30 Mar 2015 12:46
Last Modified:	23 Sep 2019 16:53
URI:	https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/28230

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