Last week scientists and experts met in Stockholm to discuss the possibilities of developing a Baltic Sea Health Index as a tool on how to best measure the Baltic Sea’s health and track improvements.
The idea of a Baltic Health Index comes from researchers at the University of California, who a few years ago launched a comprehensive Ocean Health Index. The Ocean Health Index scientifically compares and combines all dimensions of ocean health – biological, physical, economic and social through 10 different goals in order to generate an objective and accurate snapshot of the health of the section of the ocean controlled by each coastal country.
The thought behind the ocean health index is that, by providing a means to advance ocean policy and compare future progress, the Index can inform decisions about how to prioritise for goals and thereby protect marine ecosystems. According to researchers at the Stockholm Resilience Centre, the knowledge currently available about the Baltic Sea in terms of nutrients, algae blooming and overfishing should be sufficient to start drafting on a Baltic Sea Health Index.
The 10 Ocean Health Index goals:
1. Food provisioning
2. Artisanal fishing opportunities
3. Natural products
4. Carbon storage
5. Coastal protection
6. Coastal livelihoods and economics
7. Tourism and recreation
8. Sense of place
9. Clean water
10. Biodiversity