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The Baltic Sea is one of the most investigated water bodies in the world. For decades, the many highly industrialised nations around the Baltic have financed basic and applied investigations, as well as the building and development of research stations and vessels. After World War II, research in the Baltic Proper was intensified and investi- tions became much more international. The main goals of such investigations were analysis of the eutrophication and pollution of the Baltic Sea, and development of mitigating strategies (e.g. the HELCOM-Program). In contrast, research into the coastal zones was carried out mainly under national sovereignty by individual governments due to differing political regimes. Consequently, there was a lack of international collaboration and publications regarding these regions. This changed following the collapse of the former socialist governments. Nevertheless, research activities in the coastal regions still lag behind those in the Baltic Proper. A general description is further hampered by the great variety of coastal water ecosystems. The aim of this book is to overcome this lack by presenting the important Baltic coastal zones in the form of "ecological case studies". In this way the book rep- sents an important supplement to literature concerning the Baltic Proper.
List of contents
The Baltic Coastal Zones.- Ecological Case Studies.- Darß-Zingst Boddens, Northern Rügener Boddens and Schlei.- Greifswalder Bodden, Wismar-Bucht and Salzhaff.- The Szczecin (Oder-) Lagoon.- Near-Shore Zones: Koserow and Tromper Wiek.- Gulf of Gda?sk and Puck Bay.- The Vistula Lagoon.- The Curonian Lagoon.- Gulf of Riga and Pärnu Bay.- Haapsalu and Matsalu Bays.- The Neva Estuary Ecosystem.- The Gulf of Finland.- The Stockholm Archipelago.- Askö Area and Himmerfjärden.- Odense Fjord and Kerteminde Fjord/Kertinge Nor.- Synthesis.- Synthesis.
Summary
Here is the first comprehensive overview covering the enormous ecological diversity of Baltic coastal ecosystems. A short introduction to the Baltic Sea as an ecosystem is followed by detailed descriptions of the characteristics of coastal ecosystems. Ecological case studies illustrate reactions to natural and anthropogenic influences in four regions: Southern Baltic coast, including Fjörden, Boddens, Lagoons, and near shore zones; Eastern Baltic coast, including the Gulf of Gdansk and Gulf of Riga; Northeastern Baltic coast, including the Neva Estuary and Gulf of Finland; and the Western Baltic coast, including the Stockholm Archipelago, Askö area and Himmerfjärden, Odense Fjord, and Kerteminde Fjord/Kertinge Nor. This volume also presents a synthesis of the common and distinguishing characteristics and processes of the coastal waters compared with the Baltic proper. Finally, the authors highlight areas where additional research is needed and provide forecasts of future developments in coastal research.
Additional text
From the reviews:
"Dr. Ulrich Schiewer was Professor of Ecology at the University of Rostock (Germany). … In this book, he has … aim to describe and compare the diverse Baltic coastal ecosystems and their response to cultural eutrophication as the main driver of coastal change. … the book gives an excellent overview of the diversity of coastal types in the Baltic region. … I can recommend the book for students … . Scientists interested in Baltic Sea Ecology will find a good starting point in this book." (Justus E. E. van Beusekom, Basic and Applied Ecology, Vol. 10 (7), 2009)
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From the reviews:
"Dr. Ulrich Schiewer was Professor of Ecology at the University of Rostock (Germany). ... In this book, he has ... aim to describe and compare the diverse Baltic coastal ecosystems and their response to cultural eutrophication as the main driver of coastal change. ... the book gives an excellent overview of the diversity of coastal types in the Baltic region. ... I can recommend the book for students ... . Scientists interested in Baltic Sea Ecology will find a good starting point in this book." (Justus E. E. van Beusekom, Basic and Applied Ecology, Vol. 10 (7), 2009)
