The future of the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea faces significant ecological threats due to its low water levels and limited exchange with the North Atlantic. Since the 1970s, bordering states have intensified cooperation to protect this vital ecosystem. This book captures the latest findings from this collaborative effort. Key topics include the causes and effects of eutrophication, ecological changes in the Gulf of Gdansk, and the dynamics of water inflow into the Boddens of Rugia. It also discusses long-term monitoring of zooplankton and the ecological status of inner coastal waters. Environmental management and the impact of major infrastructure projects, such as the Great Belt Crossing, are explored alongside innovative approaches like ecological economics and eco-taxes. The text delves into economic instruments in water management and the potential for sustainability in Eastern Europe. Additionally, it addresses municipal waste management in Poland, waste storage in the Baltic Sea, and technical strategies for controlling water pollution. The role of international cooperation in marine sciences, the state of wastewater treatment in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and the need for integrated ecological and business studies in education are also highlighted. Finally, the book examines ethical considerations in environmental education and the development of student teachers' economic thinking in biology.