in Brief 2013 December

Contents Pekka Tuuri Looking back, 1 moving forward Looking back and Celebrating the first 2 year of implementation of BONUS in moving forward the European Parliament in Brussels by Kaisa Kononen, Executive Director, BONUS Guest column: 3 Member of the European Parliament Ms. Satu Hassi BONUS strategic 4 research agenda updated BONUS call 2012: 5 Viable ecosystem projects announced BAMBI - Baltic Sea 5 marine biodiversity BIO-C3 - Biodiversity 6 changes BLUEPRINT - Biological 6 lenses using gene prints In many ways this autumn has been for BONUS a turning point: the first year of implementation of CHANGE - Changing we have looked back on the now closed BONUS+ phase, decided BONUS (see next page). The pro- 7 cess concerning the other part of antifouling practices and negotiated a set of new projects as well as moved forward to for leisure boats the call, Innovation, is still con- in the Baltic Sea consider the BONUS future beyond 2017. tinuing, and the outcome will be announced in early 2014. COCOA - Nutrient 8 he two years since the and directly addressed the ob- of summaries’ will be published For BONUS, the thematic cocktails in end of the 16 BONUS+ jective. An impressive amount as AMBIO special issue in the be- content of the programme is not coastal zones projects have been a of new knowledge that supports ginning of next year. written in stone. The first stra- INSPIRE - Ecosystem 8 period of intensive implementation and development Selection of projects of the tegic research agenda was de- models for sustainable summarising and of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Ac- BONUS call 2012: Viable ecosys- veloped in 2006, then mainly utilisation of fish publishingT of the scientific work tion Plan in particular, and other tem and Innovation parts were focusing on the marine environ- resources done. In order to get an overview environmental governance and made already last summer. The ment. In 2011, the second re- Soils2Sea - Reducing 9 on how well the BONUS+ call re- decision making processes in the amount of funding, total of ca. search agenda included not only nutrient loadings from sponded to its objective to fund Baltic Sea context, had been pro- EUR 33 million, comes from al- the marine environment but also agricultural soils research projects that focus ”on duced. together 18 national funding the catchment and innovation. supporting an ecosystem-based Among the topics addressed institutions in nine countries This autumn, the agenda has been Baltic Sea Science 10 approach to management of are e.g. scenarios on how effective surrounding the Baltic Sea and updated again to ensure it re- Congress 2013 and human activities” BONUS asked the Baltic Sea Action Plan will from the European Union. It has sponds better to the rapidly devel- public engagement the project coordinators to write be within the changing climate, been an administrative challenge oping policy landscape. News room 11 summary articles of the projects’ what is the impact of the nutri- to put all the needed financial BONUS is currently consider- outcomes. It was a delight to ob- ent abatement measures in catch- and contractual arrangements in ing its future after the end of the BONUS Steering 12 serve that all projects had so well ment, how well the multinational place so that the projects could current stage in 2017, then possi- Committee Chair, and multilevel governance works, start in the beginning of 2014. As bly within Horizon 2020. At the Dr. Eugenijus Butkus as well as how should maritime regards the ‘Viable ecosystem’ the EU level, the target included in BONUS members 12 activities be located in order negotiation and decision process Horizon 2020 is to foster smooth to reduce environmental risks. has been finalised, and thus the progress from basic scientific Within the BONUS+ projects, seven champions of an extreme- findings to innovative market- altogether 60 PhD theses were ly competitive selection process able products, which in the ma- defended - as important as pro- can now be announced (see pages rine/maritime context has been duction of new knowledge is the 5-9), grant agreements signed and formulated as the target of ‘blue upbringing of a new generation of the projects started. BONUS an- growth’. It is obvious that in the Baltic Sea scientists who under- nounced the projects in the high- future BONUS, when its next stand from the very beginning of est possible European forum, strategic research and innova- their career, that science has during the event organised in the tion agenda is drafted, sustain- to benefit the society. The European Parliament, Brussels, able development, including blue articles and a ‘summary on 26 November 2013 to celebrate growth, will be in focus. 

Kaisa Kononen participated in a panel discussion “How jobs and ecology go together” at the Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region on 11 November 2013 in Vilnius, Lithuania In this column we publish invited opinion articles by experts of their fields, BONUS guest column featuring particular perspectives on a freely chosen topic relevant to the BONUS community and the knowledge-based governance of the regional seas. Celebrating the first year of implementation of BONUS in No recovery the European Parliament in Brussels of the Baltic Sea without EU action

The high profile event held in the U S European Parliament on 26 November BON In the European Parliament – and in other EU institutions as well, I guess 2013 celebrated the first year of – most people seem to think that in Northern Europe everything is fine: implementation phase of BONUS and Northern EU member countries are wealthy, people are law abiding, Ms. Satu Hassi, Member of the European Parliament, Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance and the convening co-host of announced the first projects to receive societies well organised, nature is clean and environmental policy is fine. the BONUS event in the European Parliament, shares her views about funding within the domain of the Against this image it comes as a surprise and a shock to many that the the role of research and the value of political will in the protection action of the vulnerable Baltic Sea. BONUS call 2012. Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted sea areas in the world.

n his welcome address, the on this foundation can contribute Lithuanian Minister of Educa- substantially to environmental n the map the Baltic Sea been crystal clear that EU deci- to reduce wasting of valuable re- scientist, Seppo Knuuttila, be- The plastic waste will sooner tion and Science, Mr. Dainius actions required in the efforts to looks blue and nice. The sions are the key for improving sources, nitrogen and phospho- came almost a national hero in or later degrade to smaller pieces, Pavalkis on behalf of the cur- protect the Baltic Sea. Omap does not tell that its the ecological state of the sea. But rus, was that too many people Finland. He found out that there micro waste, which is a problem Irent Presidency of the Europe- “The action of BONUS is quite average depth is less than 60 me- everybody has not yet realised misunderstood what should be is a huge flow of phosphorus to for many reasons. One of them an Council, highlighted BONUS unique: it is creating an ecosys- ters, and that it takes around 30 this. done. Too many people believed the Baltic Sea from a waste moun- is the fact that plastic attracts or- to be, at the time of pressure on tem among all Baltic Sea states, years for the water to be changed. Among all economic sectors reducing the flow of nutrients to tain of the Fosforit fertilizer plant ganic pollutants; the concentra- public investments, a good ex- including Russia, and their re- Both facts make the sea extremely agriculture is by far the biggest the waterways means banning or in Kingisepp, Russia. When de- tion of these harmful substances From l. to r. José Palma Andrés, Carla Montesi, Minister Dainius Pavalkis, ample of successful international searchers, innovators and busi- vulnerable. source of eutrophication of the limiting agriculture. tected, the phosphorus leak was on the surface of plastic pieces in Kurt Vandenberghe, Marianne Wenning research coordination and coop- nesses in order to have an It is also not visible on the sur- sea, because of the nutrients, ni- Of course we cannot ban agri- actually quickly fixed, and with a the sea can be up to million times eration that does not limit itself integrated ecosystems-based ap- face that there is a big dead zone trogen and phosphorus leaking culture in the catchment area of low cost. This year a leak of simi- bigger than in the seawater itself.

just to marine and maritime is- proach to tackling significant U S in the bottom of the Baltic Sea, from the farming fields. This is the Baltic Sea. Instead we must lar kind was detected near Gda- Recently I also learned that there

sues but also covers agriculture challenges such as the Baltic Sea’s BON caused by lack of oxygen, a result the case especially after the recent develop a smarter, more modern, nsk in Poland. are not yet standards on how to and other human induced issues eutrophication. BONUS is cut- of eutrophication. From a report improvements in the waste water and more resource efficient way Similar stories that make big measure micro waste. The sci- relevant to the fragile Baltic Sea. ting across scientific disciplines, by EEA, European Environment treatment of the city of St. Peters- of producing food. And probably headlines in the press come rather entists are still developing the Also marking the celebration economic sectors, policy agendas Agency, I learned that this is the burg, which used to be the biggest we need to be smarter on what is rarely out from research. equipment and the methods for of the BONUS programme, Di- and national borders to keep the biggest dead zone in the sea bot- point load source. grown where. But without research there is measuring it. rector Kurt Vandenberghe from Baltic Sea alive," said Kurt Van- toms in the world. The EU has recently finalised From scientists I have learned no progress in cleaning up our On reducing eutrophication a the European Commission’s DG denberghe, Director of the En- For us living on - or close to the reform of our common agri- that there are differences on how sea. A fairly new topic both in lot has already been done. Most Research & Innovation, Direc- vironment Directorate in DG - the Baltic Sea, it is well known cultural policy, CAP. Before and much nutrients leak to the water- political decision making and re- cities and factories in the catch- tor José Palma Andrés from DG Research & Innovation at the Eu- that our sea is sick. In summer- after the Commission proposal ways depending on what is culti- search is what the plastic waste is ment area of the Baltic Sea have Regional Policy, Director Carla ropean Commission. time it is made visible by the was published, the reform was vated, on what kind of soil, with doing to our seas, and what can dramatically improved their Montesi from DG Maritime Af- “BONUS has come a long way blooming of toxic blue-green named "greening" of CAP. Un- what kind of method. This is one be done to improve the situation. waste water treatment. In some fairs and Fisheries and Director from its first science plan focusing algae. fortunately this became a missed of the issues where we need more The EU Commission has re- areas the improvements are al- Marianne Wenning from DG on the sea only, and is now con- For many, another shock, opportunity from the point of research - and also more effective cently published a proposal to en- ready visible, like in the Eastern Environment reflected the value sidering the Baltic Sea, its coasts when discussing the ecological view of reducing the flow of nu- ways to inform the farmers and courage EU member countries to end of the Gulf of Finland. But a added from different EU level and catchment as a continuum. situation of the Baltic Sea, is the trients to the Baltic Sea from our the authorities of the results in reduce the use of plastic bags, es- lot remains to be done to trans- perspectives on the knowledge- We are proud to have announced fact that the biggest environmen- agriculture. The fact that the EU order to spread best practices. pecially thin bags, with thickness form our agriculture smarter based governance of the Baltic today in this highly prestigious From l. to r. Eugenijus Butkus, Marita Ulvskog, Tunne Kelam, Kaisa Kononen tal problem is eutrophication. Water Framework Directive was Another and linked field of re- under 0,05 mm. From the mate- from the point of view of protect- and other regional seas. company the seven champions of This means us, our agriculture, dropped from the general re- search is how we can reduce the rial of the Commission I learned ing our lakes, rivers and seas. It The topics addressed includ- the Viable ecosystem call after an our food production, our sewage. quirements of agricultural subsi- flow of nutrients from the numer- that 94 % of the seabirds of the seems that when old problems are ed, among others, the value of extremely competitive selection to seeing the benefits from these the Group of the European Peo- supported greatly the develop- When 10 new member coun- dies is especially disappointing. ous small rivers to the Baltic Sea. North Sea have plastic in their solved, new problems emerge, as integrated ecosystem-based ap- process. All seven projects repre- projects towards the Baltic Sea ple's Party and the chair of the ment of the event.  tries joined EU in 2004, the Bal- Maybe one reason for the fact I believe research can help us also digestion channel. Probably the e.g. the plastic waste. proach in research and innova- sent multidisciplinary and ho- region and its sustainable devel- parliamentary Baltic-Europe in- tic Sea became almost an internal that there was not enough politi- with this. situation is rather similar in the The need for research will tion programme, the importance listic research approach and aim opment as well as the wider Euro- tergroup and Marita Ulvskog MS lake of the EU. After this it has cal will to really ‘green’ the CAP, Two years ago one Finnish Baltic Sea. never end.  of macro-regional cooperation, at producing the best knowledge pean community and protection from the Group of the Progres- the key role that blue growth can base for the decision makers”, of the European seas.” sive Alliance of Socialists and See pages 5–9 for the BONUS call and should play and how the stra- said Mr. Eugenijus Butkus, Chair The event was moderated by Democrats. The Office of MEP 2012: Viable ecosystem projects ck sto tegic research agenda and the of the BONUS Steering Commit- the Members of the European Satu Hassi from the Group of the that were announced during the i BONUS research projects built tee. “We certainly look forward Parliament Tunne Kelam from Greens/European Free Alliance event.

Hakaniemenranta 6 Editor-in-Chief: Maija Sirola BONUS is a joint research and de- BONUS is supported by the national BONUS community, including part- 00530 Helsinki, Finland Editor: Tiina Tembe velopment programme producing research funding institutions in the ners and supporters, informed about Tel. +358 40 040 4011 Editorial board: knowledge to support development eight EU member states around current views and news about BONUS Fax +358 9 4780 0044 Andris Andrusaitis, and implementation of regulations, the Baltic Sea and the EU Research activities and accomplishments. Kaisa Kononen, policies and management practices Framework Programme. Russia par- Email: Meelis Sirendi, Minna Ulvila specifically tailored for the Baltic ticipates in BONUS through bilateral BONUS EEIG is the legal management [email protected] Sea region. It issues calls for compet- agreements. organisation of BONUS. Layout: Oy Graaf Ab itive proposals and funds projects of Website: high excellence and relevance based BONUS in Brief is published by the © 2013 BONUS Baltic Organisations’ www.bonusportal.org/inbrief Printing: Uusimaa, Porvoo 2013 on its strategic research agenda. BONUS Secretariat to keep the Network for Funding Science EEIG

2 | BONUS in Brief December 2013 BONUS in Brief December 2013 | 3 BONUS strategic research agenda updated: Netherlands. More than third of ranking list based on scientif- BONUS call 2012: the partners (23) are from Swe- ic excellence only. Yet the out- den; German as well as Swedish come was satisfying – six themes researchers are participating in opened for this call were ad- Highlights of a joint effort all projects. dressed as key themes among Viable ecosystem Ten research themes from the selected seven projects. This

The May 2013 issue of this newsletter u s the BONUS strategic research shows that in many fields there is on

B agenda 2011-2017 were includ- top level research in the region. introduced readers to the living nature of ed in the BONUS call 2012: Vi- The other four themes were cov- 1 the strategic research agenda of BONUS . projects announced able ecosystem. Main objective ered as supplementary themes Now, having the update 2013 of the agenda of the call was to attain the nec- and these can be considered for completed, it is a good time to look back and Seven consortia selected from the BONUS call 2012: Viable ecosystem essary scientific knowledge on re-opening in the coming calls. achieving and maintaining the Finally, from the experience summarise the most important novelties in the will start implementing their projects from January 2014 onwards. good environmental status of of this call, a good advice to the document that will underpin the BONUS calls the Baltic Sea, support relevant applicants of the coming calls is for research and innovation proposals to be by Meelis Sirendi, Programme Officer, BONUS policies and decision making. that one good formula for being When compared to the previous successful in the BONUS calls is announced in 2014. he competition for funding projects will truly benefit the introducing the projects that BONUS call, the BONUS+, the to concentrate on the outcomes was extremely tough – only Baltic Sea region. they will be steering during the difference this time is that the of the proposal and demonstrate by Andris Andrusaitis, Programme Manager, BONUS Tseven proposals out of 87 The projects are coordinat- four years long implementation entire catchment-coast-sea con- clearly that these are well in line were selected to receive funding ed by Danish (COCOA, BLUE- phase (2014-2017). tinuum is considered in the stra- with the outcomes defined in the aking stock of the new a challenge to be met. of approximately EUR 4 million PRINT, Soils2Sea), Swedish There are in total 67 partici- tegic objectives. BONUS strategic research agen- knowledge delivered by Substantial amendment has each. Only the outstanding pro- (BAMBI, CHANGE), Esto- pating organisations in the pro- No separate ranking list for da.  Tthe BONUS+ projects and been made to chapter 2 analys- ject concepts and plans succeed- nian (INSPIRE) and German jects representing all BONUS each theme or objective was new scientific developments both ing the landscape for the glob- ed. The outcome emphasises also (BIO-C3) institutions. In the states as well as two partners used but instead the proposals within the Baltic Sea region as al, European and macroregional that the results of these chosen next pages the coordinators are from Russia and one from the were decided according to one well as outside its borders has policies relevant to BONUS. This resulted in an update of every has been necessitated by the dy- chapter of the strategic research namic policy development that agenda. This has been accom- has taken place since the drafting plished by an in-depth analysis of the initial strategic research Discussion is ongoing at the BONUS strategic orientation workshop in Tallinn, September 2013, Project partners of the dynamic policy landscape2, agenda in 2010-2011. To men- in preparation of the BONUS strategic research agenda update 2013. consultation with the stakehold- tion only a few, the HELCOM Sweden BAMBI ers through the consultation plat- Ministerial Meetings of 2010 and in this way sends a clear message 4 addressing the societal chal- Agneta Andersson, Nerijus University of Gothenburg forms established in BONUS3, 2013 assessed the achievement on what kind of research is ex- lenges requires now very ex- Blazauskas, Bodo von Bodungen, (coordinating partner) and, finally, the intensive work and set further specific objectives pected from the future applicants plicitly development of models Bernd Bruegge, Daniel Conley, Luleå University of Technology Baltic Sea marine biodiversity Stockholm University by the dedicated update drafting for implementation of the Baltic of the proposals. for comparative and conse- Mikhail Durkin, Jüri Elken, team. Sea Action Plan, while Europe- • In the strategic objective 1 quential analyses of cumula- Erik Fellenius, Valery Forbes, Estonia In chapter 1 that introduces an Commission launched in 2011 more emphasis has been put tive benefits and trade-offs of Zita Gasiūnaitė, Lars‐Anders Estonian Marine Institute, University Addressing the potential of adaptation to climate change of Tartu the main challenges to be met in the new EU Biodiversity Strategy on the spatial aspects of the different marine ecosystem Hansson, William Hogland, the Baltic Sea region, more em- 2020. In 2012, an EC communi- structure and function of the services and presents more Hans‐Jörg Isemer, Marko Joas, Germany by Kerstin Johannesson, Coordinator of BAMBI phasis has been put on the neces- cation on Blue Growth opportu- marine ecosystems, the role of clearly the tasks of research in Anders Kiessling, Maris Klavins, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel sity of achieving sustainability nities for marine and maritime organic matter in biogeochem- support of maritime spatial Michael Kleyer, Georgs Kornilovs, n the face of the rapid, ongo- potential of evolutionary change research competences in genetics of coastal and marine ecosystem sustainable growth was published ical processes, and the “new planning. Fritz Köster, Pentti Kujala, Maria Finland ing environmental changes of of a species. Neither do these and genomics, population ecol- University of Turku services. The concept of sustain- and, in 2013, a significant pro- pollutants” as well as on nano • Finally, the strategic objective Laamanen, Jussi Lankoski, Diane Ithe Baltic Sea, the survival of models take into account popu- ogy, biophysical modelling, con- able ecosystem services positions gress was achieved in renewing and micro particles which po- 5 emphasises the new research Martin, Elina Nikkola, Henn Kerstin Johannesson marine species is challenged. The lation demography, connectiv- servation genetic and political the BONUS research programme the EU Common Fisheries Policy. tentially threaten the marine needs for monitoring: under- Ojaveer, Henrik Österblom, potential for a species to adapt ity and species interactions, and sciences. In addition, BAMBI is as a generator of new crucial An update of the BONUS policy biota. water noise and marine litter. Ksenia Pazdro, Katrin Rehdanz, to a changing environment is thus may seriously misjudge the establishing an operational sci- knowledge not only for protection landscape was a result of consid- • The expected outcomes under In line with the evolution of the Bo Riemann, Henrik Scharin, Themes from the BONUS strategic given by its plasticity, demogra- potential of species to resist rapid ence-policy interface and a strong of the environment of the Bal- erable deeper analysis undertak- the strategic objective 2 have general concept it also provides Monika Stankiewicz, Markku research agenda 2011–2017 covered phy and genetic diversity. Recent climate change. end-user involvement. Further- tic Sea and its drainage basin, but en and published by the BONUS been amended by scenarios of clearer linkage between the op- Viitasalo, Jacek Zaucha, as well as research shows that many of the It is quite obvious that envi- more, BAMBI will take advantage Key theme in an equal degree also to many Secretariat (see BONUS Publica- future sustainable land man- portunities provided by the de- all the participants of the BONUS Baltic Sea species are genetical- ronmental changes impose novel of state-of-the-art research meth- 1.2 Causes and consequences of changing biodiversity various sectors of economic ac- tion No. 13). agement with quantified ef- velopment in the information Strategic Orientation Workshop ly isolated and have reduced ge- types of selection pressure on in- ods, such as the next generation tivities. Be it recreation and tour- Descriptions of the strategic fects on coastal ecosystem and communication technolo- in Tallinn, September 2013.  Supplementary themes netic diversity, and hence have a dividuals and species, and if there sequencing, population genom- ism, fisheries and aquaculture, objectives and themes in chapter services, as well as a feasibility gies and sustainable use of ma- 1.1 Ecosystem resilience and dynamics of biogeochemical processes, lower adaptive potential than, for is genetic variation for traits af- ics, climate-driven and spatial- harvesting renewable energy or 3 have also been revised substan- study of the new eco-techno- rine ecosystem services. To download your personal copy of the including cumulative impacts of human pressure example, Atlantic populations. fecting fitness, selection will re- ly explicit modelling targeting developing blue bio-economy, or tially. Most importantly for the logical solutions. BONUS strategic research agenda, 4.1 Governance structures, policy performance and policy instruments In light of this and the expected sult in evolutionary changes and four ecologically important Baltic many others – sustainable devel- applicants of the future BONUS • One of the most fundamen- The complicated task of updat- update 2013, visit www.bonusportal. rapid change of the Baltic Sea en- species may become better adapt- Sea species that each contribute org/sra (published in early 2014) or for 5.1 Developing and improving scientific basis for integrated monitoring opment depends on the quality calls, formulations of the ex- tally reworked themes of the ing the BONUS strategic research hard copy, email [email protected]. programmes for continuous assessment of ecological status and vironment, it will be critical - as ed to the new environment. It with different ecosystem func- of the services provided to hu- pected outcomes under various BONUS strategic research agenda could not been accom- human pressures soon as possible – to manage also is now clear that evolutionary tions (primary production, graz- mans by the marine ecosystem. themes have been streamlined agenda is the Sustainable aq- plished without enthusiastic sup- For quickest updates on the BONUS calls today’s common Baltic Sea spe- changes may act rapidly in a time ing, and predation), and together The concept of ecosystem servic- significantly. New emphasis has uaculture in the Baltic Sea port of many competent experts to be announced in 2014 based on the cies in an optimal way to mitigate scale relevant to climate chang- constitute a dominant part of a strategic research agenda, update 2013, es also highlights the importance emerged while unnecessary de- under the strategic objective 3. to whom we, the BONUS Secre- subscribe to the BONUS e-bulletin at losses of biodiversity. However, es. But how often will adaptation Baltic Sea seaweed ecosystem (one of achieving a truly interdiscipli- tails have been omitted. We be- • The updated formulation of tariat, wish to express our deepest www.bonusportal.org/bulletin or visit the current governance structures happen? And how do we conserve fish, two seaweed species, and one nary research which still remains lieve that presenting the outcomes the BONUS strategic objective gratitude: news updates at www.bonusportal.org. and policies do not invoke spe- potentials of adaptation? crustacean). cies’ evolutionary potentials (=ge- The overall objectives of the A main goal of BAMBI is to 1 A. Andrusaitis: The living research agenda for the Baltic Sea. BONUS in Brief, May 2013 netic variation), and there are project BAMBI are to answer ur- introduce new types of scientif- 2 A. Andrusaitis, K. Kononen and M. Sirola: Policy framework analysis in the fields relevant to the BONUS programme. BONUS Publication No. 13, 2013 large gaps in the scientific knowl- gent questions, such as: Will spe- ic data with high relevance for 3 M. Sirola: Better knowledge for the better future of the Baltic Sea. BONUS in Brief, May 2013 edge that is needed to underpin cies and ecosystems of marine ecosystem-based management of new strategies. origin have the potential to adapt biodiversity under environmen- BONUS in collaboration with the research funders of the BONUS call 2012: Viable ecosystem Climate change will have un- and survive the coming 50-100 tal change, and use these results precedented consequences for years inside the Baltic Sea? If so, to outline new governance and present the new projects on pages 5–9: the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Already what is needed in terms of popu- policy principles. One additional today, there is a measurable de- lation sizes, population connec- important issue will be to identify crease in salinity and an increase tivity and genetic variation? And, governance systems and institu- in temperature, with further and what governance structures, poli- tions that are important for the more dramatic changes predicted. cy instruments and management transfer of scientific knowledge One approach to evaluate effects measures can help provide the re- on biological diversity into func- of climate change on organisms quired population structures and tional management policies and The outline of the Bambi project showing integration of science, has been to use “climate envelope traits? principles.  social science and end-user knowledge to reach the overall goal of management plans that takes into account the potential of species to models”. However, such mod- BAMBI is a multi-discipli- adapt (to the extent possible) to a changing environment. els do not take into account the nary project integrating leading

4 | BONUS in Brief December 2013 BONUS in Brief December 2013 | 5 BIO-C3 CHANGE Biodiversity changes

Investigating causes, consequences and management implications Changing antifouling practices for leisure boats in the Baltic Sea Project partners by Thorsten Reusch, Coordinator of BIO-C3 by Mia Dahlström, Coordinator of CHANGE Sweden Thorsten Reusch SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, Borås (coordinating s a relatively well-stud- and ecosystem levels. On the and universities such as studies Project partners staggering 3.5 million that in an environmentally safe combat marine biofouling. The partner) ied semi-enclosed ocean one hand, the existing biodiver- on fish stocks, plankton organ- leisure boats have their way combat biofouling, are performance of eco-innovations SIK – the Swedish Institute for Food Abasin, the Baltic Sea plays sity data and data on potential isms and environmental condi- Germany A homeports in the Bal- emerging. However, for these to or paints with low biocide content and Biotechnology, Gothenburg a special role for biodiversity re- drivers are collected and synthe- tions that are conducted several Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (coordinating partner) tic Sea. Eighty per cent of these make it into eco-innovations, has low credibility with consum- University of Gothenburg search. Due to its young age and sized, while on the other, addi- times a year with the help of Institute for Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg boats have paints containing toxic changes are needed on all levels of ers. The most commonly used Stockholm University varying salinities only relatively tional research efforts will close Kiel’s research vessel ALKOR. Thünen Institute for Baltic Sea Fisheries, Rostock heavy metals and organic boost- society – from the outline of the toxin in marine paints is copper. Denmark few species are the key ecological important knowledge gaps in This could become important Denmark er biocides that prevent growth regulatory framework to changes To date what is known about the University of Copenhagen, players. Along with several avail- several key areas, for example, when the Baltic continues to ex- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, of benthic organisms, so called in market actors including leisure effects of copper on non-target Frederiksberg able oceanographic and biologi- related to adaptation of organ- perience lower salinity, become Kongens Lyngby biofouling, on their hulls. These boating cultures and institutions. organisms is minimal. CHANGE Finland DHI, Hørsholm cal time-series, this allows for a isms to climate change and food- warmer and suffer decreasing ox- toxins pose a serious threat to the The CHANGE project brings will, during the next four years, Aalto University, Espoo Estonia University of Helsinki systemic analysis of spatial pat- web alterations due to species ygen levels as predicted. sensitive coastal waters of the Bal- together scientists from natural study the performance of avail- Mia Dahlström terns, temporal changes and lays invasions. A central question is wheth- Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu tic Sea. science, business administration able products and the effect of Germany the foundation for experimen- The key objectives of BIO-C3 er important organisms such as Finland Biofouling makes boats run and environmental law to devel- copper on sensitive ecosystem- Laboratory for Freshwater, Marine tal work that addresses ecosys- are i) an assessment of the rela- zooplankton and fish can adapt to Finnish Environment Institute, Helsinki slower, increases fuel consump- op entirely new ways of solving shaping behaviours in marine Research and Comparative Åbo Akademi University, Turku Pathology, Hamburg tem functioning. Moreover, the tive roles of acclimation, adapta- the different environmental con- tion and impairs manoeuvrabil- an environmental problem. The organisms such as mate search present species assembly is under tion and colonisation of native vs. ditions, and if not, whether they Lithuania ity. Biofouling is combated by CHANGE project sets out to map and homing. We will also map constant change, as non-indige- non-indigenous species, ii) an ad- alter their distribution or die out. Marine Science and Technology Center, Klaipėda University toxic heavy metals used in paint changes needed to reduce the the legal framework and perform nous species continue to estab- vancement of the understanding Using the increased understand- Poland formulations that, in order to be supply of toxic antifouling com- in-depth studies to thoroughly National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Gdynia lish in the Baltic, climate change of functional links between bio- ing of the processes gained dur- effective, will leak its content to pounds to the Baltic Sea environ- understand consumer practices Themes from the BONUS strategic alters the physical environment, diversity, external pressures and ing the course of the project, the Sweden the marine environment. What is ment and provide new powerful related to boating behaviour and research agenda 2011–2017 covered and fishing changes food webs food-web interactions and iii) an scientists will formulate recom- Stockholm University left of the paint at the end of the instruments for Baltic Sea poli- boating use. Understanding boat Key theme and predation pressure. Thus, improvement of our capacity to mendations on improving the University of Gothenburg boating season is scraped off at cies. owners’ patterns of behaviour is while being species poor, human project future biodiversity. management of the Baltic bio- Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Norrköping the boat yard. Toxic heavy met- The most important and ur- essential for the policy and regu- 4.1 Governance structures, policy performance and policy instruments influences on the Baltic ecosys- Using improved knowledge diversity. The identified gradi- als in the scraped off paint ends gent challenges in the field of lative aspects of CHANGE. Bans Supplementary themes tem are larger than in most other obtained in BIO-C3, and exist- ents of human impacts will feed Themes from the BONUS strategic up on the ground and is further antifouling toxins are that con- or legal restrictions alone might 1.4 Multilevel impacts of hazardous substances sea regions as this marginal sea ing large-scale data sets, biodiver- into impact assessments, guid- research agenda 2011–2017 covered transported to the ground water sumer antifouling needs are not result in the desired effect. 2.2 Meeting the multifaceted challenges in linking the Baltic Sea with its is surrounded by densely popu- sity responses in space and time ing management policies includ- or to the sea close to the marina. currently met through a) con- The CHANGE project includes coast and catchment Key theme lated areas, especially in the south will be addressed by hind-casts ing improved operationalisation This procedure is repeated year ventional toxic products and b) building communication net- and east. and projections of abiotic/biotic/ of good environmental status in- 1.2 Causes and consequences of changing biodiversity after year. Thus, it is an unaccep- boating practices embedded in works and developing strategies BIO-C3 will investigate caus- anthropogenic drivers including dicators of the EU Marine Strat- Supplementary themes table risk to the Baltic Sea eco- various Baltic boating cultures. for stakeholder collaboration and es and consequences of changes their interaction (climate change, egy Framework Directive, marine 1.3 Food web structure and dynamics system, including humans in the The current legal framework and training. The CHANGE project in biodiversity, emphasising ef- eutrophication, species invasions, protected areas and management 2.2 The role of the coastal systems in the dynamics of the Baltic Sea region, to allow the continued use the influence of conventional has a strong regional aspect and fects on ecosystem function and fisheries) in spatially explicit evaluation frameworks. Concern- 3.3 improving stock assessments and resolving spatial heterogeneity and of toxic heavy metals in antifoul- market actors mean eco-inno- similar studies and collaborative implications for environmental models. ing adaptation to the expected temporal dynamics of the Baltic Sea fish stocks ing paints. vations are not seen as the nec- processes will be performed in management. Applying a novel, The participating scientists climate change, the BIO-C3 re- 5.1 Developing and improving scientific basis for integrated monitoring Highly promising solutions, essary or preferred option to Sweden, Finland and Germany.  integrated approach, biodiver- will take advantage of numerous searchers will cooperate closely programmes for continuous assessment of ecological status and sity is addressed on genotype, preliminary and long-term stud- with the BONUS project BAMBI human pressures species, population, trait, habitat ies of the participating institutes (see page 5). 

Project partners

Denmark University of Copenhagen, Helsingør (coordinating partner) BLUEPRINT Estonia Institute of Technology, University Biological lenses using gene prints of Tartu Finland University of Helsinki Germany local environmental conditions. holistic perspective on the ecosys- immediate markers for contem- microbes, the blueprint, in a sea- Developing a genetic tool for environmental Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea The EU Marine Strategy tem is disappointingly leaving out porary environmental conditions water sample. This resource will monitoring in the Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Rostock Framework Directive puts new microorganisms – despite of their and the occurrence of certain be established as an operation- Sweden demands on the member states pivotal role for status and func- stress conditions that may alter al virtual Blueprint Competence by Lasse Riemann, Coordinator of BLUEPRINT KTH Royal Institute of Technology, to monitor and assess the state of tion of the Baltic Sea. nutrient fluxes, e.g., changed nu- Centre, where blueprints are gen- Stockholm the Baltic Sea through an ecosys- In the past, analysis of mi- trient ratios, pollution, hypoxia erated and analysed, followed by Linnaeus University, Kalmar ith the exception of fila- addition, microorganisms react tem-based approach. The Direc- crobes was time-consuming, and climate change. Thus, assess- an evaluation of the environmen- Stockholm University Lasse Riemann mentous cyanobacte- sensitively and rapidly to any en- tive underlines that zooplankton expensive and inaccurate. This ment of environmental status and tal status. Finally, the genomic Wria, microbes and the vironmental change. Due to dif- and phytoplankton should be situation has changed in the last the associated monitoring may be information will be used to vali- fundamental processes they are ferences in growth requirements included in the assessment of en- 10 years by the development and dramatically improved using ge- date and improve biogeochemi- Themes from the BONUS strategic research agenda 2011–2017 covered driving are generally ignored as and high turnover rates of micro- vironmental state but the micro- application of novel cultivation- netic (metagenomic or metatran- cal models of the Baltic Sea. The environmental indicators in the organisms, microbial commu- organisms are strangely omitted independent molecular tech- scriptomic) approaches directed project includes small- and large- Key theme Baltic Sea. However, in aquatic nities are dynamic assemblages from the regulatory documents. niques for analysing complex at microorganisms. scale experimental approaches, 5.1 Developing and improving scientific basis for integrated monitoring systems, the numerous micro- that promptly respond to envi- Moreover, the importance of microbial communities, allowing The goal of the BLUEPRINT cruises, genomic analyses and programmes for continuous assessment of ecological status and organisms, bacteria and ar- ronmental change. Therefore, the functional aspects and energy for a significantly improved un- project is to demonstrate the modelling, and discussion forums human pressures chaea, generally process more combined gene-pool maintained flow is acknowledged; yet, the derstanding of microbial meta- functionality of a publicly avail- with stakeholders, end-users, and Supplementary themes than half of the carbon fixed by and expressed by the microbes good environmental status indi- bolic processes and pathways. able resource with the capacity experts involved in monitoring 1.2 causes and consequences of changing biodiversity local photosynthesis and medi- (the microbial genetic blueprint) cators that the Directive proposes Indeed, it has become evident to deduce environmental status and environmental legislation.  Fig. 1. Microscope view at 1200x magnification of Baltic Sea bacteria 1.1 ecosystem resilience and dynamics of biogeochemical processes, that abundant microorganisms, and dominant biogeochemical ate most transformations in the reflects contemporary nutrient are focusing on the abundance of and archaea (large dots) and viruses (small dots) stained with the including cumulative impacts of human pressures cycling of nitrogen, phosphorus, fluxes mediated by the microbes higher organisms. Thus, this new and their genes and transcripts, pathways from the biodiversity DNA stain SYBR Green I. An average liter of Baltic seawater contains 1.3 Food web structure and dynamics and other nutrients (Fig. 1). In and this is intimately linked to and ambitious directive with a can be used as sensitive and and genetic functional profiles of roughly a billion bacteria/archaea with a length of 0.5 – 1.0 µm.

6 | BONUS in Brief December 2013 BONUS in Brief December 2013 | 7 COCOA INSPIRE Soils2Sea Nutrient cocktails in coastal zones Improving understanding of the transformation The improved understand- Integrating spatial processes into Reducing nutrient loadings from and retention of nutrients and organic matter ing of the mechanisms regulat- ecosystem models for sustainable agricultural soils to the Baltic Sea ing nutrient transformation and in the coastal zone removal will be used to assess if utilisation of fish resources via groundwater and streams changes in nutrient retentions Henn Ojaveer Jens Christian Refsgaard by Jacob Carstensen, Coordinator of COCOA may have occurred over time. In by Henn Ojaveer, Coordinator of INSPIRE by Jens Christian Refsgaard, Coordinator of Soils2Sea most parts of the Baltic Sea the utrophication caused by ex- coastal ecosystems in detail, rep- coastal zone has undergone se- rocess-based understand- 4. Develop spatially explicit ad- management, and improve the oth the Baltic Sea Action traditional uniform regulations and also include the delayed ef- cost efficient solutions towards cessive discharges of nutri- resenting four types of coastal vere changes over the last cen- ing of changes in spatial vice for ecosystem-based fish- data collection. Plan and the EU Water do not account for local data fects of mitigation measures due reducing the nutrient loads to Eents from land is the largest systems: 1) river-dominated estu- tury. Productive benthic habitats Pdistributions of commer- eries management of Baltic INSPIRE will generate new BFramework Directive re- and knowledge and are much to long solute travel times in the Baltic Sea. ecological problem in the Bal- aries, 2) lagoons, 3) embayments have disappeared due to reduced cial fish , disentangling the role cod, herring, sprat and floun- data and operational models that quires substantial further reduc- less cost-effective than spatially groundwater, then we can more • Analysis of how changes in tic Sea. Consequences are large with restricted water exchange, water transparency shading out of natural drivers and various der, accounting for the spatial allow making projections on tions of nutrient loads (N and P) differentiated regulations with cost-effectively design measures land use and climate may af- blooms of noxious cyanobacteria and 4) archipelagos. Using state- the benthic vegetation and oxy- human induced impacts form heterogeneity in fish distribu- spatial distributions of key com- to the Baltic Sea during the com- measures targeted towards areas to reduce the nutrient loads to the fect the nutrient load to the in summer and an unprecedented of-the-art techniques, nutrient gen depletion changing faunal the challenging topic for the re- tions. mercial fish species of the Baltic ing years. Achievements of these where the natural retention is Baltic Sea. Soils2Sea will there- Baltic Sea as well as the opti- large dead zone extending more transformation and removal rates communities. These changes are search project INSPIRE. The on different spatial and tempo- goals will only be possible by the low. In order to fully exploit the fore study the retention of N and mal location of measures aim- than 60,000 km2, equivalent to will be measured during field believed to have ramifications for project sets out to fill in the most To accomplish these objectives, ral scales, and their integration implementation of fundamental potential of differentiated regu- P between the soils/sewage outlets ing at reducing the load. the size of Latvia. Nutrient reduc- campaigns at these learning sites the removal and transformation persistent gaps in knowledge of INSPIRE will answer the follow- in analytical assessments and changes in agricultural practices lations it is required to utilise all and the coast, including transport • A high-resolution model for tions are required to reestablish to obtain an improved seasonal of nutrients in the coastal zone, the spatial ecolology of the major ing fundamental research ques- ecosystem-based fisheries man- and land use. This will require the local information and find lo- pathways such as overland flow the entire Baltic Sea Basin with a healthy Baltic Sea, as acknowl- description across various coastal and consequently the nutrient fil- commercial fish and thereby tions: agement. Moreover, as main introduction of additional new cally designed and optimised and flows in macropores, subsur- improved process descrip- edged in the Baltic Sea Action habitats, characterised by differ- ter capacity. support the effectiveness of the 1. What are the marine habitat providers of management advice and innovative measures, because solutions. Besides the need for face tile drains, shallow and deep tions of nutrient retention in Plan. ent salinity, temperature, nutri- Using the established knowl- relevant policies and ecosystem- conditions that characterise on Baltic fish stocks, INSPIRE the easiest applicable measures improved knowledge on the groundwater, rivers, wetlands and groundwater and surface water The coastal zone constitutes ent, oxygen and light conditions edge on nutrient processing based management of the Bal- the spatial distributions of cod, partners are also able to translate have, in most cases, already been subsurface and nutrient trans- lakes. The concept and the Soils- tailored to make detailed sim- an important filter regulating as well as different benthic com- in different coastal habitats, tic Sea. The project aims to serve herring, sprat and flounder? these model outputs into urgent- utilised. port and retention processes on 2Sea work packages are illustrat- ulations of management regu- nutrient inputs from land to the munities. These measurements COCOA will investigate if coastal as a ”framework axis project“ to 2. To what extent do fishing and ly needed advice on how to move Soils2Sea proposes to ex- a local scale, this calls for new ed in the figure below. lations differentiated in space. open sea. Nutrients are trans- will be used to improve the pro- nutrient retention may similarly which other Baltic Sea research species interaction affect the best beyond spatially homogene- ploit the fact that the retention innovative governance regimes The key outcomes of Soils- • New knowledge based govern- formed and removed in a com- cess description in current coast- have changed over time with the could link to. local and basin-scale distribu- ous approach of current fishery (removal by biogeochemical with active involvement of key 2Sea will be: ance and monitoring concepts plex mosaic of processes by al ecosystem models, scaling-up loss of certain benthic communi- INSPIRE is designed to sub- tion of commercially exploited and ecosystem assessments, and processes or sedimentation) of stakeholders. Not the least as the • New methodologies for the that acknowledge the relevant microbial communities, plants knowledge obtained from the ties. The potential loss of coastal stantially advance our knowledge stocks? adopt spatially explicit ecosys- nutrients in groundwater and new measures most probably will planning of differentiated reg- aspects of EU directives and at and animals with environmental field measurement to the ecosys- nutrient retention has conse- on the major commercial fish spe- 3. What drives spatial connectiv- tem-oriented management. The surface water systems shows differentially affect stakeholder ulations based on new knowl- the same time are tailored to- conditions, such as salinity and tem level. This will allow quan- quences for the export of nutri- cies in the Baltic Sea (cod, her- ity and migrations of different INSPIRE project is addressing a significant spatial variation, groups with conflicting interests. edge of nutrient transport and wards decentralised decision oxygen concentrations, modulat- tifying nutrient retention across ents from land to the open Baltic ring, sprat and flounder). These fish species/populations? major research objectives set depending on the local hydro- If we more accurately can pre- retention processes between making. The proposed spa- ing the process rates. The pro- the many different coastal zones Sea, and this will affect nutrient fish form more than 95% of the 4. How does stock structure and forth by the revised EU Com- geological and riverine regime dict where in a catchment N and soils/sewage outlets and the tially differentiated regulations ject COCOA will investigate around the Baltic Sea and as- reduction targets in the Baltic Sea commercial catches, and repre- separation of natural popula- mon Fisheries Policy, the EU to achieve the goals for nutri- P are retained by estimating the coast. will aim for incorporation of how these nutrient processes are sessing the overall coastal nutri- Acton Plan required to establish sent key elements of the Baltic Sea tions impact stock assessment Marine Strategy Framework ent load reduction set out in retention in the different com- • Evaluation of how differenti- local scale knowledge to opti- regulated across different coastal ent retention. Experimental work HELCOM’s ecological objectives. ecosystems. outcomes? Directive, the EU Marine and the Baltic Sea Action Plan. The partments along the flow path, ated regulation can offer more mally design solutions.  zones around the Baltic Sea and and modelling are equally im- COCOA will address how nutri- The objectives of the INSPIRE Maritime Research Strategy and how nutrient retention can be portant in COCOA, and link- ent reductions may affect pelagic project are to: INSPIRE proposes pilot eco- the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action improved through coastal zone ing knowledge across disciplines and benthic communities as well 1. Quantify processes generating system field surveys to resolve Plan. Themes from the BONUS strategic Project partners research agenda 2011–2017 covered management. will have particular focus in the as the nutrient removal in the heterogeneity in spatial distri- the habitat requirements of dif- Stakeholder involvement COCOA will study seven project. coastal zone.  butions of cod, herring, sprat ferent life-stages of fish species starts already at the data gen- Key theme Denmark and flounder. by combined use of tradition- eration phase and continues till 2.1 changes in catchment land cover patterns Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Copenhagen (coordinating 2. Quantify and map potential al methods and application the end of the project. The major partner) Supplementary themes hazards to the connectivity of modern advanced analysis stakeholders include Baltic Sea Aarhus University 4.1 Governance structures, performance and policy instruments between identified key habi- techniques, for example otolith Regional Advisory Council, In- Sorbisense, Tjele tats, and assess the impact of microchemistry and biochemi- ternational Council for the Explo- 5.1 integrated monitoring programmes Germany Ecologic Institute, Berlin Themes from the BONUS strategic Project partners human induced and climat- cal techniques. The surveys are ration of the Sea and the Baltic research agenda 2011–2017 covered ic environmental changes on conducted in close collabora- Marine Environment Protection Poland AGH University of Science and Technology, Krakow Key theme Denmark habitat connectivity. tion with local fishermen. Their Commission. In addition, IN- Russia 2.2 The role of coastal systems in the dynamics of the Baltic Sea Aarhus University (coordinating 3. Quantify the population dy- inclusion will strengthen then SPIRE will closely cooperate with partner) namics and interactions of the participatory spirit in the im- national fisheries management Atlantic Branch of P.P.Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy Supplementary themes Technical University of Denmark, fish species in a spatially ex- plementation of INSPRE results bodies and ministerial authori- of Sciences, Kaliningrad 1.1 Ecosystem resilience and dynamics of biogeochemical processes, Kongens Lyngby plicit context. into ecosystem-based fisheries ties.  Sweden including cumulative impacts of human pressures Finland KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm Åbo Akademi University, Turku Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Norrköping 1.2 Causes and consequences of changing biodiversity Project partners Themes from the BONUS 5.1 Developing and improving scientific basis for integrated monitoring Finnish Environment Institute, strategic research agenda programmes for continuous assessment of ecological status and Helsinki 2011–2017 covered Estonia human pressures University of Helsinki Estonian Marine Institute, University of Tartu (coordinating partner) Germany Key theme Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Denmark 3.3 improving stock assessments Research Warnemünde, Rostock National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, and resolving spatial Kongens Lyngby Lithuania heterogeneity and temporal dynamics of the Baltic Sea fish Marine Science and Technology Finland stocks Center, Klaipèda University Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute, Helsinki The Netherlands Germany Supplementary themes Utrecht University Thünen Institute for Baltic Sea Fisheries, Rostock 1.2 causes and consequences of Institute for Hydrobiology and Fisheries Science, University of Hamburg Poland changing biodiversity Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel University of Gdańsk 1.3 Food web structure and Latvia Russia dynamics Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment, Riga Zoological Institute of Russian 3.4 evaluation framework for Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg Poland fisheries management National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Gdynia Sweden 5.1 Developing and improving University of Gothenburg Sweden scientific basis for integrated Lund University Lund University monitoring programmes for Stockholm University continuous assessment of Professor Jacob Carstensen from Aarhus University, Stockholm University Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala ecological status and human Denmark (coordinator) and Professor Daniel Conley Swedish Meteorological and Uppsala University, Campus Gotland, Visby pressures from Lund University, Sweden (vice-coordinator) Hydrological Institute, Norrköping

8 | BONUS in Brief December 2013 BONUS in Brief December 2013 | 9 The 9th Baltic Sea Science Congress From the members of the Advisory Board: N ews

th e At the end of August 2013, the 9 Baltic n HELCOM The International Council for cie i v e

Sea Science Congress draw together close k From t the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) to 300 marine scientists, experts and „„ Master blueprint ready for themes to be addressed in the young researchers of the Baltic Sea region, r future regional actions for a protection of the Baltic Sea. After „„ The International Council for of an ecosystem-based approach BONUS: t healthier Baltic Sea - The Min- a year of negotiations, the new the Exploration of the Sea sets to ocean management. The new and wider, to the sea-side university town Viko Vai ija isters of the Environment and HELCOM Ministerial outcome ex- its vision to advance scientific Strategic Plan charts the course for Event of Klaipeda, Lithuania. High-Level Representatives of the presses the ambition of the Bal- understanding of marine eco- the organisation for the next five nine Baltic coastal countries and tic Sea region to become a model systems, for use in integrated ad- years 2014–2018 and configures its highlights he 5-day Congress An interactive public engage- the European Union, convened in for good management of human vice, based on timely and accurate resources and competencies to ful- convened to exchange ment workshop ‘The engaging a HELCOM Meeting in Copenha- activities and to steer regional ac- data and information, in support fil stakeholder expectations.  from information and researcher’ facilitated by a pro- gen, Denmark on 3 October 2013 tions for reaching a healthier ma- strengthen interdis- fessional researcher trainer, Mr. and reached an agreement on a rine environment for the Baltic For further information, visit www.ices.dk autumn 2013: ciplinary approaches Paul Toombs from the UK was package of extensive actions and Sea.  aroundT the Baltic Sea. It was de- next on the agenda. This three- measures. This will open up new „„ T he 4th annual forum of the voted to the presentation of re- hour workshop was designed to Baltic Sea Region Programme European Union Strategy for sults of research on the climate, inspire young researchers and For further information, visit www.helcom.fi the Baltic Sea Region: physics, chemistry, biology and support to engage the public with Participants of the ‘Engaging researcher’ workshop engrossed in group activities. „„ What have the environmental projects worked with? What can a Baltic Sea, Baltic growth, geology of the region. their work. It was noted that an sustainable resource management for a healthy Baltic Sea mean? The an- Baltic environment BONUS invited keynote engaging researcher is just like swer can be found here: http://helcom.fi/helcom-at-work/projects/bal- 11–12 November 2013, Vilnius speaker Professor Frank Glöck- any other researcher - with one tic-impulse-cluster/  BONUS delivered a speech and ner from the Max Planck Insti- important difference. Engaging participated in a panel in the tute for Marine Microbiology researchers go out of their way to Plenary Session: How jobs and and Jacobs University Bremen involve the public with their re- ecology go together, in a work- gGmbH, Germany, who deliv- search. They open up opportu- shop: Baltic Blue growth organ- ered an interesting keynote on nities for others to get involved, ised by the Directorate-General the opening day of the Congress provide new perspectives on the FromB AM IO journal: for Maritime Affairs and Fish- titled “Environmental bioinfor- value of their work, and stimu- eries, European Commission matics – with a focus on ‘marine”. late people to be curious about „„ AMBIO Vol. 43, issue 1 on BONUS+ will that resulted into funding and implementation and in a workshop Coopera- Another BONUS invited lecture the world of research - and why it be published in early 2014 in open access for- of 16 projects from 2009 until 2011. tion for a healthier BSR environ- was given on the closing day by matters. mat. It will feature a synthesis of the research Available online in January and in print in ment- achievements and funding Professor Daniel Conley from The evening ended in a relaxed outcomes of the BONUS+ call launched in 2007 February 2014.  opportunities for 2014–2020 or- the Lund University, Sweden, who atmosphere of games and dining ganised by the Baltic Sea Region considered in his crowd draw- at the fourth BONUS-sponsored Programme. ing presentation the question “Is Young Scientists Club evening or- geoengineering an acceptable so- ganised by Ilona Minevičiūtė to- The Baltic Development Forum lution for Baltic Sea eutrophica- gether with other young scientists “Baltic Sea Conference 2013: tion?” The full programme and a of the Klaipeda University. Blue Growth, Sustainability photo gallery from the Congress Based on the feedback received and Water Industries” can be viewed at http://corpi. from the participants, not only 3 October 2013, Copenhagen ku.lt/bssc2013/ was the public engagement con- BONUS spoke in a session Blue sidered an important topic with Growth and Save the Sea: New Popular ‘engaging researcher’ a lot of demand ‘out there’ for the Partnerships? themed afternoon for young early career researchers, but an Workshop activity: Public engagement methods and activities filled in by participants into a series of scientists overwhelming majority viewed The Baltic Sea layers, like an onion. With each layer the focus moves from two-way dialogue and co-design or co-decision BONUS sponsored public en- also all the different activities of Parliamentary ­Conference making to telling or information giving. Hence the impact on ‘your’ research or on influencing policy 25 August 2013, Pärnu gagement themed afternoon the afternoon positively and ea- decreases as ‘you’ move towards the outer layers of the onion. aimed at the young research- gerly, and interactively and with BONUS delivered a speech in the ers of the Baltic Sea region was enthusiasm participated in eve- The Plenary Session: How jobs and ecology go together at the 4th annual forum of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. plenary held on the fourth day of the rything. When asked “What did Congress. Ms. Joanna Gawryl- you like about the afternoon”, activities, interesting topic (pub- people to target for public engage- The ambition of the BONUS czyk-Malesa, Information and one participant said “It made me lic engagement is something I like ment.” “Next time earlier in the sponsored Young Scientist Club Communication Officer from the realise that I have done public and would like to be better in) but week please to get to know each is to promote the creation of net- Directorate-General for Research engagement already before and at the same time relaxing atmos- other!” As for suggestions for fu- works of tomorrow’s leading Baltic New and Innovation at the European won’t be afraid of trying again!” phere.” ture themes for young scientists’ Sea scientists in the early stages of publications: Commission set the scene for the Another wrote “It’s inspiring, it As for the less liked experi- training, participants noted “more their careers. www.bonusportal. afternoon with a lecture titled gives perspectives to our research. ences, some constructive feedback on public engagement!”, “time org/ysc  BONUS VISION “Leaving the ivory tower – why Also it’s a chance to meet other was provided: “A bit more theory management” and “how to write Economically and ecologically prosperous „„ BON US strategic research and how engage in science com- young scientists in similar do- could be given on communication down text with impact” to name MS Baltic Sea region where resources and goods agenda 2011–2017, update 2013 out in January 2014 munication”. mains.”, and a third said “Useful strategy techniques and on public/ a few. So until next time! are used sustainably and where the long-term management of the region is based on sound e n „„ BON US brochure 2013, knowledge derived from multidisciplinary research. cie i visit BONUS homepage at www.­ v e k t bonusportal.org for downloads ija Vai ija r A ll publications can be viewed at o t www.bonusportal.­org/publications ik V and hard copies ordered by emailing to [email protected]

MS

The 9th Baltic Sea Science Congress was organised by the Klaipėda University, Coastal Research & Planning Institute and Association Baltic Valley in cooperation with BONUS, the Baltic Lagoon Research Network and a number of scientific societies, with large contributions from the Conference of Baltic Oceanographers, Baltic Marine Biologists, and Baltic Sea Geologists.

10 | BONUS in Brief December 2013 BONUS in Brief December 2013 | 11 Chair of BONUS Steering Committee, Dr. Eugenijus Butkus

r. Eugenijus Butkus, the I obtained my PhD in 1979 and (NordForsk) projects “Crystal national resources when the eval- Vice Rector for Research was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Engineering and Supramolecu- uations were carried out by an in- Dof Vilnius University, the the Prague Institute of Chemi- lar Materials” (2006–2010), and ternational peer review process. Vice President of the European cal Technology for the follow- “Excellent Nordic Chemistry” This also stimulated the interna- Science Foundation and a mem- ing year. My research focuses (2010–2014). Currently I am the tional peer reviewing for other ber of the Lithuanian Academy on development of new materi- coordinator of a FP7 collaborative national funding schemes. In ad- seas, not only the Baltic Sea. I of Sciences, commenced as the als, supramolecular chemistry, project Servicizing Policy for Re- dition, the participation in the in- think that the programme would Chair of the BONUS Steering and science policy. During the source Efficient Economy (2012– ternational thematic programme become even more attractive if Committee on 1 July 2013. Leszek 1990s and 2000s, I worked also 2015). initiated the design of national re- the option could be open for re- Grabarczyk from the National at the Lund University and Brus- search programmes by the Lithu- search projects not only accord- Centre for Research and Devel- sels Vrije University, in the SO- Lithuania has been a BONUS anian Research Council. ing to the thematic topics but also opment, Poland acts as the Vice- CRATES programme and as a EEIG member since the very bottom-up research opportuni- Chair. The Chairmanship of the researcher made visits to Prince- beginning – from 2007. What As for the future, what do you ties contributing to the specific BONUS Steering Committee ro- ton and Minnesota Universities has been the most memorable consider BONUS’s strengths to research and industrially impor- tates every July. in the States. More recently, I event to date? be? tant areas related to the strategic have acted as the group coordina- Through the BONUS programme, Widening the scope of the pro- research agenda.  What is your professional tor of the international coopera- for the first time Lithuanian re- gramme and involvement of other background? tion projects of Nordic Council searchers were funded also from countries, and including other MS

We wish you a wonderful Christmas time with family and friends & happiness and success all through the New Year

The BONUS Secretariat: Kaisa, Andris, Maija, Markku, Meelis, Minna and Tiina ck sto i

BONUS members

Denmark Germany Poland • Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation • Forschungszentrum Jülich Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH • Foundation for the Development of Gdansk University & Danish Council for Strategic Research & Federal Ministry of Education and Research • National Centre for Research and Development & Ministry for Science and Higher Education Estonia Latvia • Estonian Research Council • Latvian Academy of Sciences & Ministry of Education and Sweden Science of the Republic of Latvia • Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management Finland • Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural • FiRD Coop & Academy of Finland Lithuania Sciences and Spatial Planning FORMAS • Research Council of Lithuania & Ministry of Education and • Swedish Environmental Protection Agency Science of the Republic of Lithuania

BONUS is funded by national research funding institutions in the eight EU member states around the Baltic Sea and the EU Research Framework Programme