BSEP116B Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea - Helcom

The BSPA network is relatively well connected in
relation to species with long dispersal distances, but
it does not sufficiently support connectivity of the
short and mid-distance dispersers. Some indications
of relatively good within-site connectivity were found
in larger sites. Owing to gaps in representation in the
offshore areas, the network does not support connectivity
of the species across larger basins.
Although the BSPA database contains some information
on the parameters used to assess the ecological
coherence, the information in the database is patchy
and therefore it is not possible to undertake a comprehensive
assessment based on the current level of
information and data.
Ecological coherence can only be reached by better
protection of all important features of marine biodiversity
in well-managed areas, which is why national
protection and management measures are essential
and must be reported to HELCOM for further assessments.
The example of a site-selection analysis clearly shows
that a regional systematic approach to site selection is
indeed feasible in a multinational region such as the
Baltic Sea. Such an approach maximizes the chance of
creating a network that is representative and coherent
and, when well managed, could protect the whole
range of biodiversity in the region while considering
socio-economic factors at the same time.
7.6 Recommendations and
proposed actions to meet
the HELCOM 2010 target
The forthcoming implementation process of the
Marine Strategy Framework Directive will be of particular
importance for the protection of species and
Brown algae (Fucus serratus), Adlergrund, Germany
habitats within and between the BSPAs, provided
that HELCOM will bring these conclusions and the
following recommendations into this implementation
process. Based on the gaps identified, the following
actions are proposed to be carried out by
the Contracting Parties and HELCOM:
• Use the BSPA network as one measure to protect
the entire ecosystem and the whole range of
species, habitats and ecological processes in the
region, including the threatened and/or declining
species, habitats, biotopes and biotope complexes,
and habitat-building species.
• Designate all marine Natura 2000 sites as BSPAs
and designate additional offshore areas of ecological
importance as BSPAs.
• Develop and implement management plans or,
where more appropriate, measures and routines
for all BSPAs.
Complete the HELCOM BSPA database with all data
required, in particular with data on marine landscapes,
species and habitats inside BSPAs and in the
entire Baltic Sea in order to:
• assess how well habitats and species are represented
and protected in the network;
• assess how well important nursery, juvenile,
spawning, feeding, moulting and wintering areas
of threatened or declining (and important) species
are represented and protected in the network;
• assess how well rare, unique or representative
geological or geomorphological structures or
processes are represented and protected in the
network.
Use the marine landscapes, as demonstrated within
BALANCE, to protect a wide range of species, habitats
and ecological processes, especially when there
is a lack of more detailed data.
Use a regional and systematic approach to site
selection as it maximizes the chance of creating a
BSPA network that meets the conservation targets
in an efficient way and at the same time minimizes
the impact on other interests.
Integrate BSPA designation in an overarching spatial
planning and management process in combination
with other management tools.
150