Marine inventories to support ecosystem-based management and the expansion of the MPA network in the Åland Islands – Final report of the ÅlandSeaMap project (2019–2023)

The Baltic Sea is increasingly exploited by society, which generally harms the underwater environment. Comprehensive and high-quality data on marine environments is essential to manage and maintain ecosystems and ecosystem services effectively. This information is obtained by mapping species and habitat distributions. The ÅlandSeaMap project systematically surveyed the coastal waters of the Åland Islands from 2019 to 2022. With comprehensive and high-quality data collected before and during the project, it was possible to create species distribution models for species and species assemblages. Human impacts in the area were also identified and evaluated, with the available data being combined into one map layer. A site selection analysis with the Marxan planning tool was run using the collected spatial data. The most suitable areas for protection were identified in different scenarios, considering predetermined protection goals based on national and international assessments. Results were presented for and discussed with stakeholders at all stages of the site selection process. The results of the ÅlandSeaMap project are the basis for the ongoing expansion of the marine protected area network in the Åland Islands. Some areas in Kökar and northern Brändö have already been selected and redeemed by the Government of Åland and will reach protection status in the near future. Further, results are actively used for supporting ecosystem-based management, e.g. for improving the monitoring program for macrophytes, for environmental permissions, and for impact assessments in the marine environment. The project was done in close cooperation between Åbo Akademi University and the Government of Åland.