Our primary working area is a very special sea: the Baltic Sea, the largest brackish water area on earth. Due to the low salinity, its marine fauna is species-poor, interactions between the main species are simple. Fisheries, too, are diverse but simply structured. Small-scale coastal fishing characterises the mostly structurally weak coastal regions of the riparian states. These characteristics make the Baltic Sea an ideal test area for new approaches to data collection and fisheries management.
Direct recipients are German and European policymakers. However, many approaches can be implemented far more quickly with the participation of industry, consumers and environmental associations. By supplying these groups with scientific findings, we seek to facilitate the public discourse with scientific facts. We are heavily involved in the development of standardised evaluation methods, for instance, as part of sustainability certification. |
