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LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 FINAL Report Covering the project activities from 01/01/2009 to 30/06/2013 Inventories and Planning for the Marine Natura 2000 Network in Finland FINMARINET 19 September, 2013 Data Project Project location Finland Project start date: 01/01/2009 Project end date: 31/12/2012 Extension date: 30/06/2013 Total Project duration 48 months Extension 6 months Total budget € 3 408 950 EC contribution: € 1 704 315 (% ) of total costs 50 % (% ) of eligible costs 50 % Data Beneficiary Name Beneficiary Finnish Environment Institute Contact person Dr Pasi Laihonen Postal address P.O.Box 140, FI-00251 Helsinki, Finland Visit address Mechelininkatu 34 a, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland Telephone + 358 295 251343 Fax: + 358 9 549 02190 E-mail [email protected] Project Website www.environment.fi/finmarinet Cover photo: Detail of a Four-leaf mare’s tail (Hippuris tetraphylla). Photo Lari Järvinen Metsähallitus 2012. List of content List of content .............................................................................................................................. i List of abbreviations ................................................................................................................... ii Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 1 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5 2. Administrative part....................................................................................................... 7 2.1. Description of the management system ....................................................................... 7 1.1. Evaluation of the management system ....................................................................... 11 3. Technical part ............................................................................................................. 13 3.1. Task by task -description ........................................................................................... 13 Action A.1. Joint data and information regime for the project ........................................ 14 Action A.2. Geological inventories of the seafloor .......................................................... 15 Action A.3. Biological inventories of the seafloor ........................................................... 18 Action A.4. Biogeographical modelling .......................................................................... 22 Action A.5. Marine landscape and key species and habitat map production ................... 27 Action A.6. Development of an enhanced map service about underwater inventories.... 34 3.2. Evaluation .................................................................................................................. 36 3.3. Analysis of long-term benefits ................................................................................... 38 3.4. Dissemination issues .................................................................................................. 44 Action D.1. Notice boards ................................................................................................ 44 Action D.2. Website ......................................................................................................... 45 Action D.3. Layman's report ............................................................................................ 45 Action D.4. Media work ................................................................................................... 45 Action D.5. Technical publication and article in a professional journal .......................... 47 Action D.6. Awareness-raising of local people................................................................ 47 Action D.7. Seminars and conferences ............................................................................ 48 LIFE+ visibility ................................................................................................................ 50 3.5. Efforts for reducing the project's "carbon footprint".................................................. 51 LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report i List of abbreviations AB BaltSeaPlan CB EEZ EGoF EIA ELY centres EMODNET ESTMAR EUNIS FINMARINET GeoHab GIS GISBLOOM GTK Habitats directive HD HELCOM BSAP HELCOM BSPA ICES INSPIRE MARISPLAN MARMONI MERVI MSD MSPD LiDAR NANNUT NHS OILRISK Associate Beneficiary European Regional Development Fund –funded project ‘Planning the Future of the Baltic Sea’ 2009-2012 Coordinating Beneficiary Exclusive Economic Zone Eastern Gulf of Finland Environmental Impact Assessments Regional Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment European Marine Observation and Data Network Implementation of Natura 2000 in Estonian marine areas: site selection, designation and protection measures The European Nature Information System Inventories and Planning for the Marine Natura 2000 Network in Finland Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping, an international association of marine scientists studying biophysical indicators of benthic habitats and ecosystems as proxies for biological communities and species diversity. Annually organised meeting on Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping. Geographic Information System LIFE+ funded project 'Participatory monitoring, forecasting, control and socio-economic impacts of eutrophication and algal blooms in river basins districts' 2010-2013 Geological Survey of Finland, Associated beneficiary no. 3. Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats (Annex I) and of wild fauna and flora (Annex II) in Europe. High definition The Helsinki Commission Baltic Sea Action Plan The Helsinki Commission Baltic Sea Protected Area International Council for the Exploration of the Sea Directive 2007/2/EC establishing an infrastructure for Spatial Information in the European Community. Academy of Finland funded project ‘Marine Spatial Planning in a Changing Climate’ LIFE+ project ‘Innovative approaches for marine biodiversity monitoring and assessment of conservation status in the Baltic Sea’ The Quark area underwater species inventory project Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy. Proposed directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal management Light Detection and Ranging Central Baltic Interreg IV A programme funded ‘Nature and Nurture of the Northern Baltic Sea’ project 2009-2012 Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services, Associated beneficiary no. 2. Interreg IV A project Applications of ecological knowledge in managing oil spill risk LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report ii PAS PM PREHAB PSC ROV SAMBAH SeaBed SeaGIS SUPERB SYKE TA TOPCONS TY ULTRA UW VACCIA VALKO VEHAB VELMU VESTRA WFD WGoF WWF ÅA YM Project Assistant Secretary Project manager BONUS-169 funded project ‘Spatial prediction of benthic habitats in the Baltic Sea’ 2009-2011 Project Steering Committee Remotely Operated Vehicle LIFE+ funded project 'Static Acoustic Monitoring of the Baltic Sea Harbour Porpoise' Phosphorus from the seabed and water quality in archipelagos project 2009-2012 Interreg IV funded project ‘Cooperation for ecosystem based planning of the marine environment using GIS’ 2011-2014 Interreg IV A funded project ‘Standardiserad Utveckling av Planering och Ekologiska Redskap för Bottniska viken’ 2011-2013 Finnish Environment Institute, Coordinating beneficiary Target area ENPi-funded project ‘Transboundary tool for spatial planning and conservation of the Gulf of Finland’ 2012-2014 University of Turku, Associated beneficiary no. 6. Interreg IV funded project ‘Utveckling av Lidarbaserad Terränganalys för Regional Användning’ 2008-2010 Under-water Life+ funded project ‘Vulnerability Assessment of Ecosystem Services for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation’ 2009-2011 Finnish Ministry of the Environment funded project ‘Underwater marine environment inventory’ 2004-2010 National aquatic habitats information system The Finnish Marine Underwater Inventory Program 2004-2015 Finnish Ministry of the Environment funded project ‘Vedenalaisen meriluonnon inventointistrategia’ 2004-2011 Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. Western Gulf of Finland World Wide Fund for Nature Åbo Akademi University, Associated beneficiary no. 5. Finnish Ministry of the Environment LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report iii Executive Summary The project’s objectives were: - To produce a coherent overview of the Habitats Directive marine habitat types in the target areas through field inventories. - To generalize the results of the inventories and to produce habitat maps, which cover the target areas of the project by means of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) modelling. - To propose implementation and possible extension of the Natura 2000 network in marine areas by producing new information for the Ministry of Environment. - To construct an Internet-based information service to provide marine spatial data and information for experts and the general public. - To raise public awareness of marine nature by promoting education on marine biodiversity issues as well as information dissemination at multiple levels. Seven Natura 2000 areas were targeted by the project: Bothnian Bay National Park, FI1300301, Islands of the Bothnian Bay, FI1300302, Kvarken archipelago FI0800130, Rauma Archipelago FI0200073, Archipelago Sea FI0200090, Tammisaari and Hanko Archipelago and Pohjanpitäjä Bay marine protection area FI0100005 and The Archipelago of the Eastern Gulf of Finland FI0408001. Inventories were targeted on the following habitat types in the project target areas along the Finnish coast: 1110 Sandbanks, 1150 Coastal lagoons, 1160 Large shallow inlets and bays, 1170 Reefs, 1180 Submarine structures made by leaking gases, 1610 Baltic esker islands with sandy, rocky and shingle beach vegetation and sublittoral vegetation (underwater parts), 1620 Boreal Baltic islets and small islands (underwater parts) and 1650 Boreal Baltic narrow inlets. However, focus was put on those habitats that are completely underwater and cannot be identified from the shoreline features, i.e. reefs and sandbanks. In order to reach the objectives, a series of actions were planned: A common data regime (A.1) was to be agreed upon in order to effectively manage the extensive data to be collected. Data was planned to be collected through geological (A.2) and biological (A.3) field inventories and to be utilised in modelling of species and habitats distribution (A.4). These in turn would be presented in a map format (A.5) and published on an internet map service (A.6). These actions were complemented by dissemination activities (D.1-D.7) and supported by project management, monitoring and training activities (E.1-E.6). Through the project, an overview of the Habitats Directive marine habitat types as well as species distribution in the target areas was produced. The new information produced made possible to propose to the Ministry of the Environment potential areas for extension of the Natura 2000 network in marine areas. Furthermore, awareness of marine nature was raised among the general public and experts. Tools for information dissemination were produced in the form of an Internet-based map service that includes the project final map products. All in all, the project achieved all objectives laid down for it. The more detailed action-specific achievements are discussed below. The project was launched on 23 January, 2009 (E.2), and it was implemented by a consortium of six organisations: The Finnish Environment Institute - SYKE, Metsähallitus National Heritage Services - NHS, Geological Survey of Finland - GTK, Finnish Institute of Marine Research (FIMR), Åbo Akademi University - ÅA and University of Turku - TY. During the project in 2010, FIMR merged into SYKE reducing the number of consortium organisations into five. SYKE was in charge of the coordination of the project. A Steering Committee was apLIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 1 pointed to monitor and steer the implementation. Originally the project was planned to take four years. It was, however, later extended by six months. (E.1 and E.3) In addition to the extensive dissemination activities, FINMARINET experts have successfully networked both nationally and internationally, spoken and presented the project and its results at various fora. Exchange of information and experiences was intense throughout the project, and a number of other projects were able to build their activities on FINMARINET results (E.5). To increase the knowledge level of experts and students involved in the FINMARINET field inventories and modelling work, expert training courses, both national and international, varying in duration and intensity, were organized under the administrative actions. A total of 70 environmental scientists in the project or within other national marine inventory work as well as international colleagues took part in the training programme. The training has greatly contributed to improving the capacities of the participating institutions in this field, and these efforts will serve the institutions and cooperation networks in the future. The general knowledge of the under-water nature has increased substantially, and a new generation of inventory staff has emerged through the project, which also is a great basis for future work. (E.6) An After LIFE Conservation Plan was prepared based on the project results, and presented to the Ministry of the Environment for consideration. Recommendations regarding potential sites where the Finnish marine Natura 2000 network could be strengthened were put forward. Particular interest was attached to sites with high probability of occurrence of reefs and sandbanks. (E.7) During the project, a vast amount of geological and biological data was collected from the studied marine Natura 2000 sites and areas in their proximity. To effectively manage the data, common procedures and tools for data management were agreed upon and developed (A.1). Geological inventories (A.2) were carried out in six out of the seven target areas, as planned. Nearly 800 km2 of sea bottom was surveyed with a total survey line of more than 1700 km. Over 100 sediment samples were taken. In addition to the original plan, surveyed bottom was also observed with a drop-video at more than 100 sites. To sum up, all geological field inventory targets were met and some of them even exceeded. The biological field work (A.3) was completed successfully in all seven target areas. All targets set forth were met and in many cases even superseded. In the Finnish context, an extraordinary large-scale data collection exercise was accomplished. Data was acquired from a total of 22886 drop-video transects, 652 ROV video transects, 250 dive transects as well as from 416 benthic samples. Furthermore, nearly 800 photographs were taken. This was achieved despite the great challenges that this action encountered. Local environmental conditions, particularly the weather, presented an extreme challenge for NHS operating from small boats, particularly in 2012. Also technical problems with the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) procured in the project persisted throughout the project. To offset the latter, NHS acquired backup equipment that allowed them to reach the depth and resolution level that was planned to be reached with the ROV. The additional cost incurred due to the replacement system was born by NHS and not charged on the project. In the end, the ROV equipment was also finally working, and the equipment is expected to serve future biological surveying and conservation. Abiotic biologically relevant background datasets were produced (A.4.1). These environmental parameter map layers for all of the FINMARINET study areas included: bathymetry, seawater temperature, salinity, seawater nitrogen content, seawater phosphorus content, Secchi LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 2 depth/turbidity (seawater transparency), euphotic depth, euphotic seafloor extent, seawater acidity, seawater chlorophyll content and dissolved oxygen content. The datasets were used in sampling site selection and subsequent modelling. The project produced new models for potential distribution of 29 species or species groups and for 15 communities. (A.4.2) New models were produced for the potential occurrence of reefs and sandbanks as well as underwater parts of esker islands and boreal Baltic islets and small islands. Furthermore, information was collated on distribution of lagoons, large shallow inlets and bays as well as estuaries. The final project deliverables include maps of marine landscapes, Annex I habitats, EUNIS habitat types and the predicted distribution of the key species and community types, for which there was sufficient data to model them, covering the FINMARINET study areas (A.5). Additionally, detailed maps on the subareas with multi-beam echo sounding cover include probabilities of presence for selected representative species. Maps include an overlay of their estimated accuracy in geographical space, and validation figures of their overall accuracy. The maps of species occurrence and of the marine Natura 2000 habitats in the project target areas present information that has not been previously available. The project map production was affected by the slow processing of marine geological data sharing permits by the Defence Command. Therefore, a published broad scale substrate material dataset was used in landscape development. The EUNIS habitat classification maps were produced using Baltic Sea substrate map produced in the EMODNET Geology and other available GIS data resources. The map service is available for public at http://paikkatieto.ymparisto.fi/velmu/map.htm (A.6). The map service makes available the project results, that is, the resulting map layers, for viewing by environmental professionals and the general public. The map service features include underwater habitat, landscape and species distribution visualisation as well as information on the data sources and methodologies used. The dissemination actions in the project were extensive, and a remarkably wide audience was reached through the many activities. The project was made visible in the target areas and their vicinity through a total of 40 notice boards (D.1) that were erected in central locations, such as, NHS information centres and guest harbours. The project website (D.2) was launched in June 2009 at http://www.ymparisto.fi/finmarinet. It contains information on the project, its target areas, activities and progress. During the course of project implementation, the project website has been updated, and a photo gallery is included to publish selected under-water photographs and videos. A layman’s report (D.3) was produced in three language versions, Finnish, Swedish and English. The concise report describes in popular terms the purpose and results of the project. It was printed as well as published electronically. FINMARINET worked hard in order to change the prevailing perception of the media and the general public, dominated by negative information on the Baltic Sea, such as, algal blooms and anoxic sea bottoms. In its media work (D.4) FINMARINET brought up the Baltic Sea biodiversity to influence the perception of decision makers, experts and the general public. Seven press conferences and six guided trips for journalists were organised. Eight press releases were given in connection to the press conferences and media trips. Topics related to underwater nature have been well received by many media. The work under this action has LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 3 brought about several hits in electronic as well as in print media and greatly enhanced public awareness on the matter. In addition to project activity reports to the EC, project progress was reported in annual reports in Finnish language to serve the information needs in Finland (D.5). The latest reports have also been uploaded to the project website. Information about the project and its outputs and results was extensively disseminated to the decision-makers and the general public. A brochure was produced in three languages, Finnish, Swedish and English. FINMARINET organised three public information seminars in coastal towns and participated in nearly 70 events presenting the project activities and results reaching more than 100 000 people. (D.6) Furthermore, in the context of the project two national seminars and two international seminars were arranged. With the help of these seminars, end-user needs were mapped and project results were disseminated. Progress and results of the project have also been regularly presented at the HELCOM HABITAT work group. (D.7) All in all, the dissemination activities of the project have significantly superseded the targets set for them, and it has been gratifying to note how well such information has been received by media and various target audiences. The main long-term benefits of FINMARINET can certainly be identified in the project’s contribution to the improvement of the state of the Baltic Sea. This is realised through many channels, the higher level of information and knowledge of the underwater nature being among the most important. Awareness-raising of decision makers and the general public, carried out intensively by FINMARINET, creates politically favourable circumstances for environmental protection. Support provided by the project outputs to establishing and development of conservation areas will hopefully be the main operational consequence of FINMARINET. Besides direct benefits to the protection of the Baltic Sea, conservation areas will bring long-term social benefits through the vacancies offered by tourism and recreational activities. The employment factor is especially important in this case, since conservation areas usually are located in remote places affected by emigration due to poor employment opportunities. Development of the monitoring and research infrastructure is another direct benefit brought about by FINMARINET. A new national base for underwater Baltic habitat and species modelling together with the map service has been created during the project, and this will definitely bring substantial assets to future scientific efforts related to Baltic Sea marine science. Old field inventory methods and practices can be easily refined through the FINMARINET outputs. This work will most probably be even accelerated by the new generation of Finnish marine scientists that had the opportunity to start their careers in the project. As a consequence of all this innovative activity, experts are provided good facilities to produce updated reviews about underwater nature more easily whenever needed in the years to come. This will, in its turn, improve the tools for decision making and reporting regarding Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, WFD, MSFD, as well as the future MSPD. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 4 1. Introduction Background and problem Prior to FINMARINET, very little was known about the underwater nature and especially about species distribution in the Finnish marine area. It is, however, evident that changes have taken place in the coastal underwater biota due to human activities, such as construction, eutrophication and discharge of hazardous substances into the Baltic Sea. The biodiversity of coastal communities has diminished due to deterioration and destruction of underwater habitats. To conserve the marine environment and its habitats and species, a network of NATURA 2000 nature conservation areas has been assigned in the Finland based on the requirements of the Habitats and Birds Directives. Yet, it has not been assessed to what extent the established network can guarantee conservation of coastal biodiversity. For this, more information about the habitats and species occurrence and distribution in these areas is needed. Objectives The immediate objectives of the project were: - - to produce a coherent overview of the Habitats Directive marine habitat types in the target areas through field inventories. to generalize the results of the inventories and to produce habitat maps, which cover the target areas of the project by means of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) modelling. to propose implementation and possible extension of the Natura 2000 network in marine areas by producing new information for the Ministry of Environment. to construct an Internet-based information service to provide marine spatial data and information for experts and the general public. to raise public awareness of marine nature by promoting education on marine biodiversity issues as well as information dissemination at multiple levels. In the longer term, the project is expected to contribute to development of the marine Natura 2000 network in Finland and related conservation of marine habitats and species. Furthermore, the project is expected to have positive socio-economic impact in the form of employment dependent on natural resources, e.g., nature-based tourism. Seven Natura 2000 areas were targeted by the project: Bothnian Bay National Park, FI1300301, Islands of the Bothnian Bay, FI1300302, Kvarken archipelago FI0800130, Rauma Archipelago FI0200073, Archipelago Sea FI0200090, Tammisaari and Hanko Archipelago and Pohjanpitäjä Bay marine protection area FI0100005 and The Archipelago of the eastern Gulf of Finland FI0408001. A map showing the target areas is included in Figure 1. Inventories were targeted on the following habitat types in the project target areas along the Finnish coast: 1110 Sandbanks, 1150 Coastal lagoons, 1160 Large shallow inlets and bays, 1170 Reefs, 1180 Submarine structures made by leaking gases, 1610 Baltic esker islands with sandy, rocky and shingle beach vegetation and sublittoral vegetation (marine parts), 1620 Boreal Baltic islets and small islands (the sublittoral vegetation is also included) (marine parts) and 1650 Boreal Baltic narrow inlets. However, focus was put on those habitats that are completely underwater and cannot be identified from the shoreline features, i.e. reefs (1170) and sandbanks (1110). LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 5 Figure 1. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 FINMARINET target areas. Final report 6 2. Administrative part 2.1. Description of the management system E.1 Project Management The project was implemented by a consortium of five organisations: The Finnish Environment Institute - SYKE, Metsähallitus National Heritage Services - NHS, Geological Survey of Finland - GTK, Åbo Akademi University - ÅA and University of Turku - TY. SYKE was in charge of the coordination of the project. A Steering Committee was appointed to monitor and steer the implementation. Originally the project was planned to take four years. It was, however, later extended by six months. (E.1 and E.3) The management and monitoring of the progress in the FINMARINET project was carried out by the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the Project Management Team formed by the CB (SYKE). The PSC was formed by Mr Jyrki Hämäläinen (GTK, chair of the PSC), Prof. Markku Viitasalo (SYKE), Ms Leena Karjala (SYKE), Mr Jan Ekebom (Metsähallitus NHS)1, Adj. Prof. Johanna Mattila (ÅA), Prof. Risto Kalliola (TY), Prof. Erik Bonsdorff (ÅA), Ms Penina Blankett (Ministry of the Environment) and Dr Anita Mäkinen, PhD until 16 Jun 2010, and Ms Vanessa Ryan from 17 Jun 2010 to 30 Jun 2013 (WWF Finland). The SYKE Project Management Team consisted of Dr Kirsi Kostamo (Project Manager), from 23 Jan 2009 to 28 Feb 2011; Mr Markku Lahtinen (Project Assistant Secretary, from 5 Oct 2009 to 31 Aug 2010); Ms Maria Koski2 (Financial Secretary). Dr Pasi Laihonen took over the project management from Ms Kostamo 1 March 2011. He was supported in the coordination as well as in technical and financial monitoring by Ms Wilma Viljanmaa from 16 May 2011 to 30 Jun 2013. The SYKE Project Management Team ensured the overall coordination of the project and organised the PSC and other project meetings. While the PM was in charge of coordination of the overall coordination of activities, each associate beneficiary had a contact person in charge of coordination of their work and actions under their responsibility: Mr Jyrki Hämäläinen (GTK), Mr Jan Ekebom (Metsähallitus NHS)1, Adj. Prof. Johanna Mattila (ÅA) and Prof. Risto Kalliola (TY). The project organigramme is presented in figure 2. Figure 2. 1 2 Organigramme of FINMARINET Substituted by Mr Michael Haldin from Dec 2009 to Nov 2011 Substituted by Ms Johanna Hiltunen from May 2009 to Aug 2010 LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 7 Partnership agreements Agreements between the Coordinating Beneficiary and the Associated Beneficiaries were signed in 2009. A copy of one of the agreements was submitted to the EC together with the Inception Report. Amended Partnership agreements were signed in September/October 2010, and copies were submitted together with the Progress Report (3.11.2010). The partnership agreements were further amended in 2012. Copies were sent to the EC 2.11.2012. The division of labour with reference to actions is presented in table 1. Initially, there was a sixth Associated Beneficiary in the project. However, in 2009 the Marine Research Institute (MTL) was merged to the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). SYKE also took on all MTL tasks in the project. This implied an organisational and budgetary change in FINMARINET during the first half year of the project in 2009. These modifications were approved by the Commission in June 2009. The Grant Agreement was amended at two more occasions. The latter, in 2012, also extended the project duration by six months, until 30 June, 2013. Table 1. The coordination of individual actions in FINMARINET. Action Coordination and implementation Action A.1. Joint data and information regime for the SYKE in collaboration with all other partners project Action A.2. Geological inventories of the seafloor GTK Action A.3. Biological inventories of the seafloor SYKE in close cooperation with NHS A.3.1. Offshore inventories SYKE and NHS A.3.2. Inshore inventories NHS Action A.4. Biogeographical modelling A.4.1. Abiotic biologically relevant background datasets TY A.4.2. Spatial distribution modelling of marine species SYKE in collaboration with ÅA and communities Action A.5. Marine landscape and map production SYKE in collaboration with GTK, ÅA and TY Action A.6. Development of an enhanced map service SYKE in collaboration with TY about underwater inventories Actions D.1. - D.7. and E.1. – E.5., E.7. SYKE in collaboration with all other beneficiaries Action E.6. – Training and education ÅA in collaboration with all other beneficiaries E.2 Project Launch A project kick off-meeting was organised on January 23, 2009 in Helsinki, where the project manager and the PSC members were appointed. The project plan and schedule, finances, personnel, monitoring protocol, coordination, training needs as well as procurement of equipment were discussed and agreed, among others. E.3 Project Monitoring The PM team monitored the progress of the project and its individual actions through regular contacts with the partner contact persons and experts as well as through field visits. The PM reported to the PSC quarterly. The ABs delivered financial reports to the CB initially semiannually, but later quarterly to allow more intensive financial monitoring. The Project Steering Committee (PSC) met quarterly to discuss the progress of the project. Project and Field Staff meetings have been held semi-annually and annually, respectively. Several Expert meetings were organised to discuss the field work methodology and the methodological quality of the project actions A.4 and A.5 related to modelling and map production, where FINMARINET beneficiaries have been key participants. In some cases, also modelling experts from other institutions, e.g., the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute, LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 8 ELY centres and the private sector have participated. Additionally, other expert meetings have been organised as per needs of the project. Furthermore, in a broader context, the national VELMU Project and its Steering Group follow up on the progress of FINMARINET. Details of and attendance in key meetings are included in Annex 1. The reports submitted include the following: An Inception Report submitted 1.10.2009, a Progress report submitted 3.11.2010, a mid-term report, together with a payment request, submitted 15.11.2011 and a Progress report 2 submitted 30.10.2012. More specifically, the progress of FINMARINET modelling and map production activities (actions A.4 and A.5) was also monitored through expert meetings and seminars where the methodological quality of the project was discussed and assessed. Furthermore, regular contacts have been maintained with the LIFE external monitor throughout the project implementation. The EC Technical and Financial Desk Officers visited the project in September 2011. E.4 Audit The project was audited in September 2013. The auditors’ report is included in Financial annex 5 to this report. E.5 Networking with other projects Networking with other projects has been active and successful in the sense that the project and its outcomes have been made familiar to a wide expert audience and coordination of efforts and learning from others have been achieved. FINMARINET experts have established links and met, discussed, and exchanged information and experiences with, among others, LIFE+ projects VACCIA, GISBLOOM, MARMONI, SAMBAH and ESTMAR, other VELMU projects, notably VEHAB, VESTRA, MERVI, VALKO, ULTRA and MARISPLAN as well as with other EU-funded projects in Finland and internationally, e.g. BaltSeaPlan, PREHAB, NANNUT, SeaBed, SUPERB, and SeaGIS. FINMARINET participated in a meeting where experiences in project management and the LIFE+-programme were exchanged with all LIFE+ SYKE project managers in November 2009. FINMARINET organised and hosted a LIFE+ Platform meeting in September 2011 for ongoing LIFE+ Nature projects in Finland. The meeting offered a useful forum for exchanging experiences and best practises among the participating projects. Opportunities for sharing inventory data and habitat models have also been discussed with other projects, e.g. OILRISK and TOPCONS, where FINMARINET data was used to plan the field activities in 2012-2013. Experiences and prospects of utilisation of FINMARINET data in marine spatial planning have been brought up in many instances during the reporting period, for example, at the final conference of the BaltSeaPlan project in Berlin in 2013. FINMARINET has also been actively presented in various meetings and other fora, for example, in the national Habitats directive reporting group, in Nordic network for marine inventories and modelling (having almost 100 expert members from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Lithuania and Estonia). FINMARINET was also presented in GeoHab conferences of 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. See Annex 2 for more details of international networking and presentations given on FINMARINET. Furthermore, an article discussing FINMARINET results was published in Rinne, H., Salovius-Laurén, S., Mattila, J.: The occurrence and depth penetration of macroalgae along environmental gradients in the northern Baltic Sea. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science (2011). See also Action D.6 for domestic dissemination activities and seminar presentations. E.6 Training and education To increase the knowledge level of experts and students involved in the FINMARINET field inventories and modelling work, expert training courses, both national and international, varying in duration and intensity, were organized. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 9 A total of 70 environmental scientists (students/field personnel at BSc, MSc and PhD-level) took part in the training programme (See Annex 3 for participation in the events), compared with the target of approximately 30 national and international persons, and were introduced to inventory issues. Of the environmental scientists, 60 persons were involved in the FINMARINET project or within other national marine inventory work, whereas 10 persons were international colleagues. All employees within the FINMARINET were properly introduced to their tasks both by training and supervision. The initial plan was to arrange three courses. However, these are now reported as three separate training packages, where the first package consists of a variety of shorter workshops and training days dealing with species and habitat identification and classification, and an introduction to spatial modelling. The two other packages consist of more intensive and unique MSc- and PhD-student courses. It was necessary to split the first package into shorter training events to fit into the different stages of the project and to be able to successively train new employees. Further, it was possible to target the training sessions according to geographic realities (e.g. water mosses identification relevant mainly for inventory workers in the Bothnian Bay). Geographically the courses and training events have taken place along the Finnish coast near the FINMARINET target areas, reaching from Oulu in the North to Turku in the South, further to Tvärminne on the Hanko peninsula SW Finland and in Helsinki. One course was also held at Husö biological station, a field base for Åbo Akademi University on the Åland Islands. The three training packages are summarised below: 1. Introduction package (national training) to species identification, habitat classification and demonstration on modeling (use of data and need for high quality data) 2009-2010 including: - Field course/work shop (3 days) on biotope classification criteria 2009 - Introduction day to modeling species and habitat distributions 2010 - Macrophyte species identification day, theory 2010 - Work shop (2 days) on Challenges in macrophyte identification 2010 - Water mosses species identification day, theory and practice 2010 2. International course on Advanced modelling techniques - With emphasis on marine habitat and species distributions 2010. The course advertisement was rapidly spread, and we had more than 60 applications from four continents, proving that such education is missing and highly desirable. Out of the accepted students 7 came from Finland and 9 from the surrounding Baltic Sea countries. 3. International course on Marine and Coastal Spatial Planning 2012. This course was initially aimed to be national, but since the course language was English, we decided to open it also for international students. This was done since the previous international modelling course (training package 2) was a success and led to international networking at several levels, and we wanted to make this possible also in this course. 11 of the students were from Finland, 1 from Denmark and 3 were represented by foreign exchange students. In addition to the formal course programme described above, NHS provided (on-the-job) training for its inventory staff in the use of the new boats and HD cameras. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 10 During the courses, workshops and training occasions both students (70 persons) and lecturers (25 persons) gained a lot of new information and skills and took part in fruitful discussions. Both national and international networking has been intense, and the general knowledge of the UW-nature has increased substantially. A new generation of inventory workers has emerged through the project, which also is a great basis for future work. International networking has further taken place within the Nordforsk Nordic Network for Marine Inventories and Modelling that has in parallel and in cooperation with FINMARINET arranged international workshops and courses. These network activities have provided FINMARINET experts with additional knowledge on e.g. relevant EU-directives, inventory methods and strategies as well as on spatial modelling issues. The expertise gained through successful advanced university level education has been practised within the project and will be utilised in future marine spatial planning and management in Finland and in Europe. E.7 After LIFE Conservation Plan The After LIFE Conservation Plan was prepared when the project final results became available. During the preparation process, there were opportunities to present and discuss project conclusions and recommendations with the Department of the Natural Environment of the Ministry of the Environment. Valuable feedback was received and this was considered when finalising the After LIFE Conservation Plan. In the project Final Conference, there was also an opportunity to present the project conclusions and recommendations to the political head of the ministry as the Minister for the Environment opened and participated in the conference. The After LIFE Conservation Plan is included in Annex 4 to this report. 1.1. Evaluation of the management system The project organisation has functioned well. The project was based on an established network of institutions and experts, who know each other and have experience from working together in previous projects. Nevertheless, FINMARINET has contributed to the increase in the overall cooperation and coordination among the beneficiaries, the effects of which are already noticeable in other projects and cooperative efforts on national and international level. Exchange of information and cooperation with other projects (E.5) has been active and extensive. Networking has been successful in the sense that the project and its outcomes have been made familiar to a wide expert audience and coordination of efforts has been promoted. The training programme (E.6) within FINMARINET has been instrumental in improving the capacities of the participating institutions in this field, and these efforts will serve the institutions and cooperation networks in the future. The training programme has also greatly contributed to networking, nationally and internationally. The general knowledge of the UWnature has increased substantially, and a new generation of inventory staff has emerged through the FINMARINET-project, which also is a great basis for future work. The expertise gained through successful advanced university level education has been practised within the project and will be utilised in future marine spatial planning and management in Finland and in Europe. Together with this, a guiding principle in the FINMARINET management system has been to give junior researchers a possibility to present their work in seminars and other public occasions including scientific conferences. This practice has proven very useful, and towards the end of the project a new generation of Finnish marine scientists and field work experts has been trained by FINMARINET. This will give Finland a good starting point in developing further the national marine inventory network and to promote new knowledge on applicable inventory methods also on international fora. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 11 Extension of the project duration by 6 months proved to be essential to guarantee that all project actions were successfully completed. It was particularly important to allow sufficient time to debate the results and use these in production of the final dissemination and advocacy products, that is, the Layman’s report and the After LIFE Conservation Plan. However, there would have been even more potential for utilising the results for additional communication and dissemination, which could have justified even longer project duration to make full use of this potential. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 12 3. Technical part 3.1. Task by task -description The project progress against planned in all actions is shown in a gant chart in Figure 3 below. Action Overall project schedule (start-end) A1 Joint data management regime Planned 2009 I II S Actual S Planned IV 2010 I II III IV 2011 I II III IV 2012 I II III IV Actual Planned Actual A3.2 Biological inventories, inshore Planned Actual A4.1 Background datasets Planned Actual A4.2 Spatial distribution modelling Planned Actual A5 Map production Planned Actual D1 Notice boards D2 Website D3 Layman’s report D4 Media work D5 Technical publication Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Actual Planned Planned Actual Actual E1 Project management Planned Actual E2 Launching of the project Planned Actual E3 Monitoring Planned Planned Actual D7 Seminars and conferences E4 Audit Planned Actual D6 Awareness raising Planned Actual E5 Networking III A3.1 Biological inventories, offshore A6 Map service 2013 I II E E A2 Geological inventories Planned Actual III Planned Actual E6 Training and education Planned Actual E7 After LIFE Conservation Plan Planned Actual Figure 3. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Gant chart showing the project progress against the planned. Final report 13 Action A.1. Joint data and information regime for the project Main activities, problems encountered and lessons learnt During FINMARINET, a vast amount of geological and biological data was collected from the studied Natura 2000 sites and areas at their proximity along the coast of Finland. In this action, procedures of data management were agreed upon and a joint data management plan was made in the beginning of the project and developed during it. The temporary aquatic macrophyte database maintained by SYKE, which includes data from, e.g., SYKE, regional Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY centres), NHS and private consultancy agencies as background information for their environmental impact assessments (EIA), was developed into a more functioning information system. Focus was put on usability and stability of the system. The query tools of the aquatic plant database were improved. The tools for inserting data were also enhanced. The user can now insert the locations in either WGS84- or Finnish National coordinates (YKJ) and the user interface can transform between these two, eliminating the earlier problems of heterogeneous coordinates. Some improvements were also made to the controls of the insert forms, making the database faster and easier to be used. Furthermore, the database was equipped with a comprehensive logging system which tracks all inserts, edits and removals of data, allowing the user to track the change history of each record, which enhances the users’ possibilities to assess the reliability of the data. A lot of effort was put to improve the overall stability and reliability of the database by extensive testing and bug removal. New datasets, as these became available, were inserted into the aquatic plant and bottom fauna databases. The database development involved also discussions for the unification of the field inventory methodology. All FINMARINET partners have contributed to the discussions, but also other institutes and private companies working in the field of marine underwater inventories have participated in the meetings and workshops. After the FINMARINET database development was completed important developments took place in the national context. The Ministry of the Environment granted funding for the development of national aquatic habitats information system (VEHAB). Later the plans evolved towards an option rather to include the future aquatic plant data in a broader species database being developed, initially with terrestrial focus and now expanded to cover also marine species. SYKE experts in Action A.1 participated actively in the VEHAB work group meetings to make sure that the requirements concerning the data content and structure of the temporary aquatic plant database as well as the experiences achieved during the development of the temporary database were taken into account. Due to this opportunity, more time and effort was invested in the transfer of FINMARINET outputs and experiences into the development of the permanent database, which will enhance the sustainability of the project results in this area. Key outputs and results The target of action A.1 was to provide the FINMARINET-partners with a common way of storing and managing data. This was done on the basis of the existing temporary aquatic macrophyte database of SYKE. The functionality of the database was improved on many areas (data input, data content, data extraction, history log, stability and reliability) based on previously discovered deficiencies and partner experiences. The harmonization of data registers was enabled by providing each partner with their own copy of the temporary database, in which they could input their data. Also, a common import-form was agreed upon and made available to everyone. Using this form anyone (including outside consultants) can deliver their LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 14 data in a format that is easily read into the database. Thus, action A.1 was able to create the tools necessary for common data management. Action A.2. Geological inventories of the seafloor Main activities, problems encountered and lessons learnt Marine geological inventories provided information on the characteristics of the sea floor, e.g., bathymetry and distribution of different seabed substrates. A separate report has been prepared on this action and is included in Annex 5. The report describes the activities and findings in more detail. Inventories were made using acoustic-seismic methods and bottom sampling, using mainly GTK's R/V Geomari. Acoustic-seismic methods included continuous sub bottom profiling, reflection seismic, side scan sonar and multi-beam echo sounding investigations. Acousticseismic surveys were done in one survey campaign per year at one or two project target areas. Sampling sites were selected on the basis of preliminary interpretation of acoustic-seismic surveys. Approximately twenty sediment samples per survey area were taken using suitable equipment, e.g., vibro and/or piston corers, grab sampler and twin barrel GEMAX gravity corer. Acoustic-seismic data collected during fieldwork was stored digitally for further processing and the maps produced by GTK were utilised in the planning of SYKE's field inventories. Geological sampling on a smaller scale was performed also on SYKE's research vessel Aranda. Figure 4. Acoustic-seismic methods used in geological field inventories. The field work for geological inventories was implemented mainly according to the original timetable and annual Field Work Plans. Interpretation of the acoustic-seismic data gathered was done immediately after each field season, and bottom sediment samples were analysed during the following winter. In addition to the original plan, geological surveys were also performed during R/V Aranda's cruise in target area 6 (Western GoF) in 2010 in collaboration with SYKE's experts. Maps indicating acoustic-seismic survey lines and sample locations were delivered annually after completing the fieldwork. See the list of deliverables and milestones in Annex 6. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 15 Multibeam equipment of the R/V Geomari was out of service during major part of the field season 2010. Thus the multibeam data of project site 1 is missing and on project site 3 it only covers the detailed study area (2 km2). However, despite the malfunctioning of the equipment, enough data was recovered to produce depth models and seabed surface models for the target areas. The SonarWiz.MAP real-time mosaicking and data acquisition system for the Klein 3000 sonar software package was purchased in May 2010 and the system was successfully introduced during the field season 2010 onboard R/V Geomari. The software package improved the efficiency of data collection and interpretation already during the field season, and made it possible to find geologically diverse sites on the seabed already during the actual fieldwork for selecting the areas for more precise studies and field sampling. Surveys in very shallow areas, especially Kvarken Archipelago, revealed that new methods should be adopted in studying these kinds of environments. Multibeam technique is depth dependent and the coverage gained in shallow areas is very limited. To be able to collect comprehensive data sets of shallow areas new techniques are needed. Remote sensing methods, such as satellite imagery, aerial photography and LiDar laser scanning are among these techniques, which potentially could be of more importance in the future. Figure 5. Nautical chart of the Kvarken Archipelago study area indicating difficulties in running the survey lines (black lines) in very shallow and rocky environment. Area not covered by the sounding proved to be too shallow for r/v Geomari to operate safely. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 16 Key outputs and results The key outputs of the geological inventories of the seafloor are presented below in Table 2 and compared with the targets set. Table 2. Comparison of geological survey targets and outputs Year Target Achieved Project site Area, Survey Samples Area, Survey 2 2 km line, km km line, km 2010 100220-450 20 100 198 Bay of Bothnia (TA 200 1&2) 2010 Samples 20 Drop video* 20 100200 100200 220-450 20 200 206 23 19 220-450 20 200 443 29 39 100200 100200 400800 * Not included in the original project plan. 220-450 20 102 420 19 12 220-450 20 185 440 19 16 880-1800 100 787 1707 107 106 Kvarken (TA 3) Rauma (TA 4) Archipelago 201112 EEZ of Western Gulf of Finland (TA 6) Eastern Gulf of Finland, (TA 7) TOTAL 200910 2009 All geological field inventories targets were met and some of them even exceeded. A lot of new information was gathered in and around the existing Natura 2000 sites within the scope of the project. Valuable experience was gained through the field inventories on how to execute the surveys in most efficient way in conjunction with biological inventories. During the project the interpretation process of the acoustic data was enhanced to better meet the demands of biological studies. Marine geological data collected in action A.2 of the project were further used in project’s other actions, particularly A.4 and A.5. Figure 6. Multibeam image showing De Geer moraine ridges running in northeast-southwest direction in target area 4 Rauma Archipelago. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 17 Figure 7. Bottom sediment sampling on R/V Geomari in the EEZ of Western Gulf of Finland (target area 6). Photo GTK. Action A.3. Biological inventories of the seafloor Main activities, problems encountered and lessons learnt The focus of the biological field inventories was on finding and describing the Habitat Directive Annex I Boreal marine underwater habitats. Therefore the aim of this action was to acquire the necessary amount of empirical information on the occurrence of habitat types, their location and coverage. These data was used to facilitate the large-scaled modelling of marine underwater habitats so that a more comprehensive view on their distribution could be produced for conservation purposes. SYKE coordinated the field work under this action together with fieldwork under action A.2. Annual field work plans were used as a planning and coordination tool. SYKE and NHS were in charge of implementing this action. A separate report has been prepared on this action and is included in Annex 7. The report describes the activities and methodologies used in more detail. The survey cruises of SYKE have also been reported in separate cruise reports submitted with earlier reports. NHS sampling was planned for both offshore and inshore areas. Field inventories were performed by NHS according to two sampling regimes, a grid-based sampling scheme and a random stratified sampling scheme. The sampling was planned in close cooperation with SYKE. The NHS main inventory method was underwater drop-video recording. Other inventory methods included scuba diving and high definition (HD) video transects, initially planned to be implemented using an ROV camera. Scuba diving was used to get more detailed information of the species observed and thereby improve the interpretation and quality verification of the video data. SYKE sampling concentrated in offshore areas. SYKE's field surveys were planned using a stratified random sampling design covering parts of the designated FINMARINET study areas and also areas where possible Natura 2000 network extensions might be considered. In the SYKE sampling areas where multibeam surveys had been performed by GTK, field sampling was targeted mainly to the areas already geologically surveyed. SYKE's field surveys were carried out using ROV transects and Van Veen grab sampling from onboard SYKE’s research vessels Muikku and Aranda. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 18 Figure 8. NHS field survey team at work. Photo Raisa Turja, Metsähallitus. This action encountered great challenges during its implementation. Local environmental conditions, particularly the weather, presented an extreme challenge for NHS operating from small boats, particularly in 2012. Also technical problems with the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) persisted throughout the project. To offset the latter, NHS finally acquired backup equipment, allowing to reach the depth and resolution level that was planned to be reached with the ROV. The additional cost for the replacement system was born by NHS and not charged on the project. In the end, the ROV equipment is also finally working, and the equipment is expected to serve future biological surveying and conservation. More details about the problems encountered are reported in the action final report. Key outputs and results The biological field work was completed successfully in all seven target areas. Both SYKE and NHS met the targets set forth, and in many areas superseded them. Achievements are summarised in Table 3 below and thereafter presented per beneficiary in more detail. Table 3. Summary of achievements in biological field inventories performed in Action A.3 (by SYKE and NHS). Dropvideo ROV Dive Benthic transects transects transects samples Photographs Bay of Bothnia (TA 1&2) 4865 41 107 Kvarken (TA 3) 4156 59 36 Rauma Archipelago (TA 4) 2410 20 28 Archipelago Sea (TA 5) 1901 130 21 110 136 Western Gulf of Finland (TA 6) 5478 174 20 157 114 Eastern Gulf of Finland (TA 7) 4076 228 38 141 100 Total 22886 652 250 416 781 Target 20000 500 n/a 300 400 LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 107 8 197 127 19 NHS collected, interpreted and delivered data from a total of 21900 drop video transects. NHS also delivered high definition (HD) video image from 203 ROV transects, SYKE from 449. A total of 250 dive transects/points were carried out by NHS. Photographs delivered total in 781 and are included in Annexes 8 (selection of printed photographs) and 11 (all photographs in electronic format). The achievements are summarised and compared with targets set in Tables 4 to 8. The video transects and ROV transects are presented separately for offshore and inshore areas. In both, the overall targets were surpassed, though there is variation by area. The data sets produced are likely to be one of the most comprehensive video inventory surveys ever to be collected over a four year period. Table 4. NHS SCUBA dive points/transects and photographs Target Area Bay of Bothnia (TA 1&2) Kvarken (TA 3) Rauma Archipelago (TA 4) Archipelago Sea (TA 5) Western Gulf of Finland (TA 6) Eastern Gulf of Finland (TA 7) TOTAL Target % of target SCUBA dive point/transects 107 36 28 21 20 38 250 not set Photographs 107 197 127 136 114 100 781 400 195 %*) *) A clear majority of the photographs were taken underwater but also microscopy photographs and photographs of the area and of the operative field work were included as they are useful for dissemination purposes. However, the target was for UW-photographs only. A.3.1 Offshore areas Both NHS and SYKE operated in offshore areas, which were the focus of the surveys and majority of the outputs were delivered from these areas. Overall target for offshore areas was exceeded, as were most of the aerial targets. Table 5. Target area NHS Drop-video transects in offshore areas 2009 2010 2011 Bay of Bothnia (TA 1&2) Kvarken (TA 3) Rauma Archipelago (TA 4) Archipelago Sea (TA 5) Western Gulf of Finland (TA 6) Eastern Gulf of Finland (TA 7) TOTAL 1262 987 393 493 1067 1003 5205 1440 1151 113 495 1329 1543 6071 1666 1865 495 634 984 473 6117 2012 Total Target 0 0 545 146 1093 708 2492 4368 4003 1546 1768 4473 3727 19885 3736 3736 1868 1868 3736 3736 18680 % of target 117 % 107 % 83 % 95 % 120 % 100 % 106 % Table 6. NHS ROV transects in offshore areas Target Area ROV transects Bay of Bothnia (TA 1&2) 41 Kvarken (TA 3) 40 Rauma Archipelago (TA 4) 20 Archipelago Sea (TA 5) 20 Western Gulf of Finland (TA 6) 42 Eastern Gulf of Finland (TA 7) 40 TOTAL 203 TARGET 200 % of target 102 % LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 20 Table 7. SYKE ROV transects and benthic samples in offshore areas ROV Benthic transects samples 132 157 110 110 188 141 19 8 449 416 300 300 150 % 139 % Target area Western Gulf of Finland (TA 6) Archipelago Sea (TA 5) Eastern Gulf of Finland (TA 7) Kvarken (TA 3) TOTAL TARGET % of target Figure 9. Screen capture from SYKE ROV video showing bladderwrack. A.3.2 Inshore areas Only NHS operated in inshore areas. The survey targets were substantially lower than in offshore areas. The overall target for inshore areas was clearly exceeded. Only the Quark remained below target. This, however, was more than offset by the above-target offshore dropvideo transects delivered. Table 8. NHS Drop-video transects in inshore areas 2009 2010 2011 Bay of Bothnia (TA 1&2) Kvarken (TA 3) Rauma Archipelago (TA 4) Archipelago Sea (TA 5) Tammisaari area (TA 6) Eastern Gulf of Finland (TA 7) TOTAL TARGET LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 20 17 81 3 333 35 489 330 315 0 509 32 234 128 1218 330 162 136 208 30 438 117 1091 330 Final report 2012 Total 0 0 66 68 0 69 203 330 497 153 864 133 1005 349 3001 1320 Areal target 264 264 132 132 264 264 1320 % of target 188 % 58 % 655 % 101 % 381 % 132 % 227 % 21 Action A.4. Biogeographical modelling This action addressed the need to extend the areal coverage of the species and habitat distribution data produced in biological inventories. To achieve this, the biological properties of field data were related to environmental datasets with a larger geographical extent. The action was divided into two sub-actions. Sub-action A.4.1. Abiotic biologically relevant background datasets Main activities, problems encountered and lessons learnt This sub-action was coordinated and implemented by University of Turku. The sub-action addressed the fact that the physical geography of the Finnish marine and coastal areas is complex and constitutes a fragmented and scattered multi-scale mosaic of habitats. Different sets of existing spatial and environmental data, as well as data collected during the project, were used to perform spatial modelling of abiotic environmental variables. The required data layers were generated using standard GIS software, statistical modelling tools and modelling regimes already available. The specifications for the desired outcome for the TY on background data layers production were established in expert meetings (4.9.2009, 22.9.2009 and 21.1.2010) where participants of all other project beneficiaries contributed to the work. This sub-action has been reported in more detail in a separate action Final report (A.4 combined with A.5) included in Annex 9. Key outputs and results Abiotic biologically relevant background datasets were produced. This environmental parameter map layer production includes individual layers for all of the FINMARINET study areas. The following parameters were modelled as layers: - bathymetry - seawater temperature - salinity - seawater nitrogen content - seawater phosphorus content - Secchi depth/turbidity (seawater transparency) - euphotic depth - euphotic seafloor extent - seawater acidity - seawater chlorophyll content - dissolved oxygen content of the seawater Validation of produced GIS layers was performed in the Archipelago Sea and in the Bothnian Sea during summer 2010. SYKE used the environmental datasets collated and reclassified previously for all of the FINMARINET study areas to produce stratified random points for NHS field sampling in 2010 onwards. Similarly, these abiotic datasets were utilised in the selection of sampling sites for SYKE. The background datasets were also used in the subsequent modelling. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 22 Figure 10. Acidity layer in the northern part of study area 6. Map TY. Sub-action A.4.2. Spatial distribution modelling of marine species and communities Main activities, problems encountered and lessons learnt This action was coordinated by SYKE, and implemented jointly by SYKE and ÅA. In this action, the results from the geological and biological field inventories (Actions A.2. and A.3., respectively) were combined with the environmental background data layers resulting from sub-action A.4.1 utilising GIS and statistical modelling tools to produce predictions on species and habitats distributions. The modelling of species, communities and habitats has been reported in more detail in a separate action Final report included in Annex 9. Before the first field season data from FINMARINET field inventories were available, SYKE and ÅA produced preliminary species distribution models for key species of bottom flora and fauna using data collated from various sources produced before the start of the project in 20093. Preliminary models were validated with the field data gathered in 2009. As expected, environmental parameters datasets proved to be a crucial component in the modelling of species and habitats distributions and their quality greatly affected the reliability of the models. The results also confirmed that production of reliable distribution models requires more biological data across environmental gradients in all areas. During subsequent project years, models were updated and new ones produced with datasets collected by NHS and SYKE in 2009-2012. Also datasets collected in the NANNUT project were used. The annual modelling cycles were affected to some extent by the delay in the annual delivery of the interpreted data, including the final year. The modelling team, however, made a commendable effort to produce the final outputs within the project plan and schedule despite of the short time given to complete the task. The predictive models and the modelling strategy were developed throughout the project. Each iteration of the model development further proved the importance of good, reliable and geographically well distributed data for the performance of predictive modelling. The chosen method (Maxent) proved to be useful. Technical details of the modelling process were adjusted along the project to improve the models' ability to distinguish suitable sites from the unsuitable ones more reliably. 3 E.g. produced by the projects NANNUT, VESTRA, VALKO, MERVI LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 23 Also the field sampling strategy evolved during the project with increasing cover of environmental variability in the area added by sampling surveys conducted each year. Further, sampling plan for the last year aimed to achieve the best possible range of sites across environmental gradients by filling the remaining gaps. For these reasons the final model validation approach was also amended. Instead of using samples from 2012 season as the validation dataset as originally planned, the final models were built utilising a representative subset of the data collected during the entire project, including 2012. The validation was then done with a random dataset containing sampling sites left out of the actual training datasets used to construct the models. In 2011, the development of methodology for modelling the distribution of the Habitats Directive Annex I habitats was initiated and a good procedure was found. The most emphasis was put on the habitats that are completely underwater and cannot be identified from the shoreline features, i.e. reefs (1170) and underwater sandbanks (1110). As a result of the methodology applied, also underwater parts of Boreal Baltic islets and small islands (1620) and Esker islands (1610) could be identified. The main source data for the analysis was the topographic seabed features resembling seabed structures. Habitat modelling was concluded in the final project year 2013. Furthermore, data on large shallow inlets and bays (1160), estuaries (1130) and lagoons (1150) was collated from various sources. Community models development was initiated in 2012, and the process was completed in 2013. The community analysis and modelling identified species assemblages from the data gathered using data on all observed species. Progress in modelling Availability of new data was crucial for reliable distribution modelling. Another important factor was progress made in modelling techniques, both within FINMARINET and also in general. The modelling experts of FINMARINET actively developed their knowledge in this area. Latest knowledge was gained through active exchange with the scientific community, internationally and nationally, and also through training organised under the project (Action E.6). The gathering of the biological data was discussed together with NHS in order to obtain data suitable for species distribution modelling. In addition, modelling workshops were organised. A quality assurance procedure for the demonstrative character of this action was established, referring to the quality of the models, that is, the reliability of the models to predict species and habitats occurrence in the target areas. After a wealth of discussion, and based on a formed experts’ opinion, optimal parameters that describe numerically the reliability were chosen to be used in Action A.4. Furthermore, the chosen method (Maxent) itself produces another reliability parameter. These parameters are also shown on the maps produced for each species distribution model. Key outputs and results The project produced new models for potential distribution of 29 species or species groups and of 15 communities. New models were produced for the potential occurrence of reefs and sandbanks as well as underwater parts of esker islands and boreal Baltic islets and small islands. Furthermore, information was collated on distribution of lagoons, large shallow inlets and bays as well as estuaries. The large amount of field data produced in the project allowed the development of more reliable models than before. Models have also been produced for a broader range of marine benthic species than ever before in Finland. Produced distribution models are presented in Table 9 below. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 24 Table 9. Modelled species, communities and habitats in the target areas Species TA 1 & 2: Bothnian Bay TA 3: Quark TA 4: Rauma TA 5: Archipelago Sea TA 6: Hanko/ Tammisaari Chara aspera Chara sp. Cladophora aegagropila x x x x TA 7: Eastern Gulf of Finland Bottom type (hard/soft) x S x S x Cladophora rupestris x H x Coccotylus truncatus Coccotylus /Phyllophora x x H H x H x (only in detail area) H Cordylophora caspia x (also in detail area) Ephydatia fluviatilis x (also in detail area) Filamentous algae x H Fissides fontanus x H Fontinalis sp. x (also in detail area) Fucus sp. x (only in detail area) x H x (also in detail area) H Fucus vesiculosus Furcellaria lumbricalis x (also in detail area) Hildenbrandia sp Myriophyllum sp. Myriophyllum spicatum Mytilus edulis Mytilus edulis x trossulus Phyllophora pseudoceranoides Plathypnidium riparioides x x (also in detail area) x x x H x (also in detail area) x x x (also in detail area) H x x x x (also in detail area) x (only in detail area) x (only in detail area) H x S x x x x x S x (only in detail area) H x H H H Polysiphonia fucoides LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 H x Final report x H 25 Potamogeton filiformis Potamogeton pectinatus Potamogeton perfoliatus x x S x x (also in detail area) x x (also in detail area) Ruppia sp. x Sphacelaria sp. x x x x Zannichellia sp x S x S S x x H S Zostera marina Communities x Chara sp+P.filiformis CharaNitella+ Potamogeton perfoliatus x P.perfoliatus+ Aglaothamnion Fucus sp + Mytilus + roseum + Chorda Furcellaria lumbricalis filum P.pusilus+ P.perfoliatus+ Eleocharis acicularis P.filiformis+ P.pectinatus+ P.perfoliatus P. pectinatus + P.perfoliatus Fucus vesiclosus +P.perfoliatus Annual filamentous algae+Fucus x Ceratophyllum demersum +Myriophyllum sp +CharaNitella Myriophyllum sp + P.perfoliatus+ P.pectinatus Zostera marina+ P.pectinatus S Fucus + Balanus P.perfoliatus + P.filiformis + P.pectinatus + Fucus vesiculosus Annual filamentous algae + Fucus vesiculosus +Balanus improvisus Habitats Reefs x Sandbanks Boreal Baltic islets and small islands x Esker islands Marine landscapes and substrates Topographic seabed structures LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Final report 26 Action A.5. Marine landscape and key species and habitat map production Main activities, problems encountered and lessons learnt This action was coordinated by SYKE and implemented by SYKE, GTK and ÅA. The map production has been reported in more detail in a separate action Final report (combined with A.4) included in Annex 9. Reclassification of old geological maps to surface sediment substrate maps was concluded by 30 June, 2009. However GTK did not receive a permission from the Finnish Defence forces to distribute all of its marine geological data despite the request that was made to this effect 5 June, 2009. According to the Territorial Surveillance Act (2000) permission from the Defence Command is required in order to distribute any marine inventory data among institutes in Finland. Therefore a published broad scale substrate material dataset (1:1 000 000) that was reclassified to FINMARINET scheme (when possible) was used in landscape development. Nevertheless, the 1:20 000 marine geological data was used as a background data in the analysis in GTK. Marine benthic landscape maps were developed by GTK for the FINMARINET target areas. Landscape approach was based on a set of physical datasets including seabed substrate, bathymetry and seawater salinity that were classified to ecologically relevant classes. The classification developed in the project 'Baltic Sea Management – Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development of the Ecosystem through Spatial Planning' (BALANCE) has also been used in FINMARINET. Some of the NATURA habitats are tightly connected with topographic seabed structures and substrata (e.g. rocky reefs, sandbanks) and therefore the possible distribution of these features was studied. The distribution of seabed structures in FINMARINET target areas was modelled from the FINMARINET bathymetry data. Marine geological and seabed structure maps were produced for all target areas. Bottom samples gathered during field seasons were analysed in laboratory and the results utilised in the verification of the geological maps. The permission covering 6 and 7 was granted by Defence Command in 2009, and the permission to distribute geological survey data from the target areas 1 and 3 in September 2011. For the TA 4, and for broader data stock, gathered prior to FINMARINET, limited to an area north of Rauma Archipelago, permission was granted in November 2011. During the lifetime of the project, permission was never granted to release the older data (prior to FINMARINET) south of Rauma, where the stance of the Defence Command is stricter due to the role of these areas in Finnish territorial defence scheme. The production of habitat maps classified according to the EUNIS benthic marine habitat classification levels 2 and 3 was delayed due to the fact that it was reliant on SYKE receiving reclassified geological maps produced by GTK. As the permit for release of data (gathered prior to FINMARINET) in areas south of Rauma was not expected to be obtained in time, a fall-back option planned earlier was deployed and the EUNIS habitat classification maps were produced using Baltic Sea substrate map produced in the EMODNET Geology and other available GIS data resources. EUNIS habitat classification was first planned to be categorised according to the old, existing EUNIS habitat classes. However, after FINMARINET launch there have been attempts to develop a new classification system among HELCOM contracting parties (“Baltic EUNIS”) to LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 27 fit better to Baltic Sea habitats. In spring 2013 this work had almost been finalised and, therefore, the new classification was decided to be used in the project. Maps depicting potential areas for Annex I habitats 1170 Reefs and 1110 Sandbanks combine the GIS layers of bedform produced as part of seabed landscape development in Action A4.2, and predicted probabilities of species associated with the Annex II habitats. Figure 11. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Marine landscapes in the project target areas. Final report 28 Key outputs and results The final deliverables of action A.5 include maps of marine landscapes, Annex I habitats, EUNIS habitat types and the predicted distribution of the key species and community types, for which there was sufficient data to model them, covering the FINMARINET study areas. Additionally, detailed maps on the subareas with multi-beam echo sounding cover include probabilities of presence for selected representative species. These maps are based on models that use substrate and more precise depth data. Maps include an overlay of their estimated accuracy in geographical space, and validation figures of their overall accuracy. Maps produced are listed in Table 10 below. All maps are available in the map service (see more details in the section on A.6) as well as in electronic annexes to this report (Annex 12). Prints of selected maps are included in Annex 10. Figure 12. Potential distribution of key Annex I habitats in the Eastern Gulf of Finland (EGoF) target area. The EGoF is a geologically and biologically diverse marine area, in which marine and fresh-water flora and fauna co-occur. The maps of species occurrence and of the marine Natura 2000 habitats in the FINMARINET target areas present information that has not been previously available. However, although the maps present a result of a modelling procedure based on the best information currently available, the modelling procedure contains many uncertainties and generalizations that must be kept in mind when using the maps. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 29 Figure 13. Species distribution model for Eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Archipelago Sea. Eelgrass in a marine vascular plant which is an important habitat forming species. Photo Kevin O’Brien, Metsähallitus. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 30 Figure 14. Distribution model of a community Chara sp. & Potamogeton filiformis for Bothnian Bay. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 31 Table 10. Maps produced in FINMARINET. Species TA 1 & 2: Bothnian Bay TA 3: Quark TA 4: Rauma TA 5: Archipelago Sea TA 6: Hanko/ Tammisaari Chara aspera x Chara sp. Cladophora aegagropila x x x x x x Cladophora rupestris x x Coccotylus truncatus Coccotylus /Phyllophora x x x Cordylophora caspia x (also in detail area) Ephydatia fluviatilis x (also in detail area) Filamentous algae x Fissides fontanus x Fontinalis sp. TA 7: Eastern Gulf of Finland x (also in detail area) Fucus sp. x (only in detail area) x (only in detail area) x x (also in detail area) Fucus vesiculosus Furcellaria lumbricalis x (also in detail area) Hildenbrandia sp Myriophyllum sp. Myriophyllum spicatum Mytilus edulis Mytilus edulis x trossulus Phyllophora pseudoceranoides Plathypnidium riparioides x x x x x x (also in detail area) x x x (also in detail area) x x x (also in detail area) x x x (only in detail area) x (only in detail area) x x x (only in detail area) x x x Polysiphonia fucoides LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 x (also in detail area) x Final report x 32 Potamogeton filiformis Potamogeton pectinatus Potamogeton perfoliatus x x x x (also in detail area) x x (also in detail area) Ruppia sp. x Sphacelaria sp. x x x x x x Zannichellia sp x x Zostera marina Communities x Chara sp+P.filiformis CharaNitella+ Potamogeton perfoliatus x P.perfoliatus+ Aglaothamnion Fucus sp + Mytilus + roseum + Chorda Furcellaria lumbricalis filum P.pusilus+ P.perfoliatus+ Eleocharis acicularis P.filiformis+ P.pectinatus+ P.perfoliatus P. pectinatus + P.perfoliatus Fucus vesiclosus +P.perfoliatus Annual filamentous algae+Fucus x Ceratophyllum demersum +Myriophyllum sp +CharaNitella Myriophyllum sp + P.perfoliatus+ P.pectinatus Zostera marina+ P.pectinatus Fucus + Balanus P.perfoliatus + P.filiformis + P.pectinatus + Fucus vesiculosus Annual filamentous algae + Fucus vesiculosus +Balanus improvisus Habitats Reefs x Sandbanks Boreal Baltic islets and small islands x x x x x x Estuaries x x x x x x x x x Esker islands Lagoons Large shallow inlets and bays x x x (polygon) x (polygon) x (polygon) x (polygon) x (polygon) x (polygon) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x (point) x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x EUNIS Marine landscapes and substrates Topographic seabed structures LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 33 Figure 15. Reefs with Bladder-wrack are a key habitat with a high biodiversity. This is a Bladderwrack covered reef in the Archipelago Sea. Photo Heidi Arponen/Metsähallitus NHS Action A.6. Development of an enhanced map service about underwater inventories Main activities, problems encountered and lessons learnt This action was implemented by TY and SYKE. The map service development at the University of Turku was completed in 2010, and the service environment and its contents were subsequently transferred to SYKE with a full technical description of the system. In SYKE the map service and the geodatabase were installed into a test server and the system was published in the SYKE Intranet platform for testing. Datasets and their metadata were listed and a development plan for the map service and the geodatabase was made during summer 2010. The map service and the geodatabase were modified in line with the needs of the SYKE Internet platform for full operational use. The maintenance plan and the guidelines for digital map producers were also drafted. Consideration was given to the requirement that the information service is easily updated and that it will serve as a dissemination tool for marine underwater information also beyond FINMARINET. The map service was tested and consequently launched in April 2011. The project map service development took place in a context where there was, at national level, an on-going process within the environmental administration to develop an enhanced national map service for the environmental sector. Therefore, it was considered important for the FINMARINET to participate in that process, to provide insights for the feasibility study made, where, among others, end-users were interviewed and the technical structures of the map service were assessed. While the project results have been published in the current portal, these will later be incorporated in the national one, if it is considered useful and feasible for effective dissemination. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 34 Key outputs and results The map service is available for public as an integral part of the VELMU programme at http://paikkatieto.ymparisto.fi/velmu/map.htm. The map service makes available the project results, that is, the resulting map layers, for viewing by environmental professionals and the general public. The map service features include underwater habitat, landscape and species distribution visualisation. There is also information on the data sources and methodologies used, which will serve particularly the expert users. The data sharing, due to the permit procedure involved, is organized separately from the map service. A screen capture of the map service is shown in Figure 16. Figure 16. A screen capture from the map service with reefs map layer chosen. This action had a distinct demonstrative component internationally: the development of an information-rich easy-to-access web facility to disseminate information about the underwater habitat and species inventories for decision-making on nature protection, marine spatial planning and public awareness-raising. During the project implementation period, however, the development in the area both nationally and internationally, has been fast. Hence today the result may not be internationally outstanding due to the development of similar tools and information services also elsewhere and due to the fact that the development target has moved further ahead. However, the service does respond to a great demand in Finland and will serve as a foundation for future development. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 35 3.2. Evaluation Objective foreseen in the revised proposal To produce a coherent overview of the Habitats Directive marine habitat types in the target areas through field inventories. To generalize the results of the inventories and to produce habitat maps, which cover the target areas of the project by means of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) modelling. Achieved objective and corresponding results Cartographic information was produced providing a general overview of the occurrence of key habitats and species characterising them. The results include: Geological inven2 tories covered 787 km sea bottom, total survey line 1707 km, 107 sediment samples and drop-video at 106 sites. Biological inventory data was acquired from a total of 22886 dropvideo transects, 652 ROV video transects, 250 dive transects and 416 benthic samples. The inventory data was used in subsequent modelling. Results include geological maps as well as maps Annex I habitats, EUNIS habitat types and the predicted distribution of the key species and community types. To propose implementation and possible extension of the Natura 2000 network in marine areas by producing new information for the Ministry of the Environment The proposals are made in the After LIFE Conservation plan. The new information will also serve the management planning of existing Natura areas. To construct an Internet-based information service to provide marine spatial data and information for experts and the general public. To raise public awareness of marine nature by promoting education on marine biodiversity issues as well as information dissemination at multiple levels. The map service has been constructed and published on the internet. The maps produced in the project are available there. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 The project and its results were made visible through 40 notice boards, the project website, a Layman’s report and a brochure, extensive media work, 70 public aware-raising events as well as 4 seminars/conferences. Furthermore, project work and results were shared through extensive networking. Final report Evaluation The objective was met. The field data delivered by the project is larger than what any other project has so far been able to produce. Its usefulness will not limit to FINMARINET modelling but also other data users will benefit from it. The objective was met. The maps of species occurrence and of the marine Natura 2000 habitats in the FINMARINET target areas present information that has not been previously available. Great progress was also made in developing the modelling capacities within the project organisation, which will serve similar activities in the future. The objective was met. The project results were presented in a number of meetings with representatives of the Ministry of the Environment including the Minister. The reception has been positive. The objective was met. The project has also contributed to the national level development agenda of map services. The objective was met. The audiences reached and visibility gained in the media have been far greater than originally expected. It has been gratifying to note the great demand for the information FINMARINET was providing. 36 Evaluation of A actions All in all, the project achieved the objectives laid down for it. The chosen implementation approach worked in general extremely well. The different Actions supported each other and formed a logical entity. Though, this was not without challenges. However, the main problems encountered and areas identified needing further improvement deal with details rather than the project as a whole. Based on the experiences in developing a joint data management regime (A.1) it is clear that a proper national database for aquatic macrophyte data is needed. The file based temporary database proved to be very difficult to manage when users from many different organizations are involved. The risks of data duplication on one hand and data loss on the other became notable. In this light it was very fortunate that the development of a new national aquatic habitats information system for Finland (VEHAB) began within FINMARINET project life time. By actively participating in VEHAB work group meetings the experts of the action A.1 were able to make sure that the requirements concerning the data content and structure of the temporary aquatic plant database where taken into account, as well as the experiences achieved during the development of the temporary database. It was also learned in the process of action A.1 that one of the major challenges in developing this sort of multi-organization information systems and data management schemes is harmonizing the different classifications used. Collection of field data (in A.2 and A.3) was mostly done with traditional and well proven methods including acoustic-seismic methods and bottom sampling, drop video and ROV, as well as scuba diving. Acoustic-seismic methods included continuous sub bottom profiling, reflection seismic, side scan sonar and multi-beam echo sounding investigations. The objectives of data acquisition were met, although some technical difficulties and weather restrictions (see more details in Action A.3 Final report included in Annex 7) were met. The main technical drawback was the poor performance of the ROV instrument procured by the project under the action A.3. This was compensated in part by hiring a replacing ROV for the project and in part by procuring other equipment producing corresponding data. The biological inventories performed by NHS turned out much more costly than originally estimated, despite the fact that additional costs due to procurement of replacement equipment were not charged to the project. Part of the extra costs was offset with savings in other budget lines through budget amendment approved in 2012. However, a significant share of extra costs was born by NHS. Intensive use of modelling in FINMARINET action A.4 as a tool in extrapolating the field data was a success. However, as modelling carries many restrictions, in the future special attention should be paid on the further improvement of the quality of datasets used for modeling. For example the amount and availability of background data is a crucial factor affecting the success of any marine inventory related model. Thus, the operational environment of any new marine inventory model should be well known beforehand. A crucial factor in Finland is the availability of bathymetric data. As the Finnish defence forces have a fairly strict licensing policy of bathymetric data, the project beneficiaries developed a novel working process with data holders and authorities in charge of licensing. Through this arrangement, FINMARINET experts are currently able to use all relevant data in the facilities of the Finnish Transport Agency with special data security arrangements called for by the defence forces. At the time of the project inception, the FINMARINET map service (A.6) had an internationally distinct demonstrative component: the development of an information-rich easy-to-access web facility to disseminate information about the underwater habitat and species inventories LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 37 for decision-making on nature protection, marine spatial planning and public awarenessraising. Six years later, this line of work has experienced substantial development, as corresponding tools and information services have been developed also elsewhere. In spite of the rapid global development of map service solutions during the life span of FINMARINET, the existing map service still responds to a great demand in Finland and will serve as a foundation for future development. 3.3. Analysis of long-term benefits In this section expected long-term benefits are discussed for each target area. However, certain benefits are common to all. The main long-term benefits of FINMARINET can certainly be identified in the Project’s contribution to the improvement of the state of the Baltic Sea. This is realised through many channels, the higher level of information and knowledge of the underwater nature being among the most important. Awareness-raising of decision makers and the general public, carried out intensively by FINMARINET, creates politically favourable circumstances for environmental protection. Support provided by the Project outputs to establishing and development of conservation areas will hopefully be the main operational consequence of FINMARINET. Besides direct benefits to the protection of the Baltic Sea, conservation areas will bring long-term social benefits through the vacancies offered by tourism and recreational activities. The employment factor is especially important in this case, since conservation areas usually are located in remote places affected by emigration due to poor employment opportunities. Development of the monitoring and research infrastructure is another direct benefit brought about by FINMARINET. A new national base for underwater Baltic habitat and species modelling together with the map service has been created during the Project, and this will definitely bring substantial assets to future scientific efforts related to Baltic Sea marine science. Old field inventory methods and practices can be easily refined through the FINMARINET outputs. This work will most probably be even accelerated by the new generation of Finnish marine scientists that had the opportunity to start their careers in the Project. As a consequence of all this innovative activity, experts are provided good facilities to produce updated reviews about underwater nature more easily whenever needed in the years to come. This will, in its turn, improve the tools for decision making and reporting regarding Habitats Directive, Birds Directive, WFD, MSFD, as well as the future MSPD. The more area-specific long-term benefits are discussed below. Environmental benefits Bothnian Bay (FI 1300301 and FI 300302) Direct benefits A substantial number of potential previously unknown sandbanks were discovered in the area. These observations are a base for future decisions on possible extensions of the existing Natura 2000 areas, as ecological data on the sandbanks has accumulated. Underwater inventories produced a vast body of species data, as well. It was discovered that several species of aquatic bryophytes inhabit large areas of the Bothnian Bay, offering shelter and feeding grounds for invertebrates and fish. Previously a very limited number of observations on this cryptic species group have been recorded, but during FINMARINET, a huge LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 38 amount of data on the bryophyte species and their distributions was recorded. In a cooperation project with the University of Turku/Department of Biology, it has been already discovered that the sampled Bothnian Bay populations of one of the aquatic bryophyte species, Platyhypnidium riparioides, are genetically distinct from the freshwater populations of the same species, and it is therefore possible, that a new bryophyte species has been discovered in Finland. Furthermore, two regionally new macroalgae species (Batrachospermum sp. and Hildenbrandia rubra) were discovered from the Bothnian Bay. Thus, it can be concluded that the studied area has higher biodiversity than what was previously known. New information about the distribution of Habitats directive Annex IV species Hippuris tetraphylla and Alisma wahlenbergii was acquired as well as some redlisted species, e.g. Crassula aquatica. The new information will be useful in planning the management of nature conservation areas. Relevance There are several large-scale wind power installations and sand and gravel extraction projects under preparation in the Bothnian Bay area. The information collected during FINMARINET provides the local and regional authorities as well as the private sector a huge amount of information on the underwater nature values of the studied areas. Information has already been utilised by the NHS experts and regional ELY centres in the Environmental Impact Assessments of several large-scale projects. Kvarken Archipelago (FI0800130) Direct benefits The geological mapping and related modelling work gave a better understanding of the huge proportions of the reef areas in the northern and western parts of the research area. Also some underwater parts of boreal Baltic islets and small islands (1620) were now modelled for the first time in the area. Data on distribution and abundance of Fucus radicans, a recently described new species related to bladderwrack and endemic to the Baltic Sea, was increased during the project. Correspondingly, a lot of new data was gathered on a number of fragile Charophyte species, which have suffered from eutrophication in Finnish coastal waters. Relevance Information and maps on the geological and biological diversity will be utilised in marine spatial planning of, e.g., wind power developments, sand and gravel extraction and fisheries in the area, as several big project plans are progressing in the Quark area at the moment. Rauma Archipelago (FI0200073) Direct benefits Rich assemblages of reefs were observed offshore west from the existing Natura 2000 areas. The reefs in question are located within the Bothnian Sea national park. The reefs in this area are particularly important from the point of view of occurrence of Fucus radicans, a recently described new species related to bladderwrack and endemic to the Baltic Sea. New deposits of De Geer moraine were observed in the Bothnian Sea area. It was also reported that sedimentation in the sea bottoms of the area is exceptionally rare, indicating the occurrence of high velocity sea currents. FINMARINET results were used in environmental licensing, as dumping of dredging waste into the sea from the Port of Rauma was prohibited by the local authorities (ELY & AVI). LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 39 Relevance During the course of FINMARINET, the Bothnian Sea national park was established. Later on, the project results will underpin the management planning of the national park. It should be considered i.e. whether the existing Natura 2000 areas could be expanded to cover the major reef areas, so that a bigger portion of the national park would also have Natura 2000 status. Information and maps on the geological and biological diversity will be utilised in marine spatial planning of, e.g., wind power developments, sand and gravel extraction and fisheries, as several big project plans are progressing in the area and a very limited amount of underwater inventory data exists from the area. Furthermore, as there are several plans at the moment to increase the nuclear energy production in Finland, the data collected during FINMARINET will help in the EIAs of the possible reconstruction of Olkiluoto 4 nuclear power plant in the vicinity of the studied Natura 2000 site. Archipelago Sea (FI0200090) Direct benefits This is the most geographically fragmented area in the Finnish marine area and has thus posed great problems for the assessment of the distribution of biodiversity and its protection measures. The southern part of the research area is especially rich in reefs, sandbanks and underwater esker islands. Furthermore, the area is important also from the point of view of bird fauna conservation. The project results will also help the authorities to make decisions on revision of the Natura 2000 network especially in the southern part of the area. An especially important target in this respect is the extensive and unique esker zone, particularly its vast underwater underwater areas (Salpausselkä 3 stretching through the study area from southwest to northeast). Data on distribution and abundance of the eelgrass (Zostera marina), a key species forming the ecological communities on sandbanks, was much increased through the project and will help in maintaining the habitat. Relevance Information and maps on the geological and biological diversity will be utilised in marine spatial planning and in questions related to the eutrophication process occurring in the area. Furthermore, information is used to estimate the impacts of various human activities on the nature, e.g., the opening of the Örö maritime fairway to the general maritime traffic, and dredging of inner bays to improve their utilisation as waterways. Dredging of inner bays is a common activity in the area where numerous summer cottages are located in small and shallow inner bays with only a limited access to the open sea. An important issue is also the possible lifting of the old shipwreck Vrouw Maria for conservation and exhibition. Hanko-Tvärminne (FI0100005) Direct benefits According to the modelling results, the sea area northwest from the Hanko peninsula is highly interesting and could have high nature values. By using the FINMARINET information, the possibility to extend the existing Natura 2000 (Spa/SCI) area west from the Hanko peninsula could be considered. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 40 The project produced a specific model for a part of the EEZ-zone located south of the target area where underwater reefs with a typical ecosystem of Mytilus and Cordylophora were found. Recent further research between the current Natura 2000 site and the EEZ has been conducted. This together with the FINMARINET results in the area will help to assess whether the whole area could have value as an extension to the existing Natura site. Relevance Dredging of inner bays is a common activity in the Hanko-Tvärminne area where a huge amount of summer cottages are located in small and shallow inner bays with only a limited access to the open sea. Through FINMARINET information it is possible to estimate the effects of dredging to, e.g., a number of fragile Charophyte species forming important underwater communities in shallow areas. Information and maps on the geological and biological diversity will be utilised in marine spatial planning, e.g., wind power developments, maritime traffic and fisheries, as human impact are increasing rapidly in the studied area. Eastern Gulf of Finland (FI0408001) Direct benefits According to the FINMARINET results, in the two Natura 2000 areas located within the EEZ zone, sandbanks are the dominating habitat type at least in the western part of the target area. This is unlike what has been documented in the Natura 2000 database, where reefs are supposed to be dominant. FINMARINET results will thus provide the authorities better baseline data to update the database. The possibility to extend the existing Natura 2000 area to cover the National parks water areas should be considered. FINMARINET data was extensively used by the Regional Council of Kymenlaakso in development of their maritime spatial plan and the underwater background datasets on the geological and biological diversity on the area where based largely on FINMARINET data and models. In the draft plan geologically and biologically valuable areas have been identified. Relevance FINMARINET information provides an important tool to assess the effects of human activities in the area. The Eastern Gulf of Finland is heavily utilised by maritime transportation of oil from Russia to Europe. Similarly, in this area the route of the second phase of the NordStream gas pipeline from Russia to Germany lies closest to the Finnish coastline. Due to this, the biodiversity some shallow reefs might be impacted during the construction of the pipeline. FINMARINET has produced information on the distribution of two invasive alien species, the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and Conrad's false mussel (Mytilopsis leucophaeata). Both species are known for their capability to disperse efficiently in favourable conditions. As freshwater species, currently they exist at the edge of their distribution range. Since it has been predicted that salinity of the Baltic Sea might decrease due to climate change, FINMARINET information provides important baseline data on the distribution of these two species to be utilised in future studies. Furthermore, the data and knowledge gathered during FINMARINET are currently utilised in TOPCONS project to develop similar sampling and modelling methods to describe geological and biological diversity with several Russian partners. Information and maps on the geological and biological diversity will be utilised in marine spatial planning, e.g., estimating the most vulnerable and sensitive areas in case of oil spills, LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 41 sand and gravel extraction, wind power developments construction and fisheries, so that the human activities can be placed in the sea area in a sustainable way. Economic benefits The map service constructed by FINMARINET will remain a national platform for distributing professional data and information about marine inventories. The service will be further developed in the future along with the improvement of GIS- and Internet tools. Modelling as a means of saving costs has shown its value in FINMARINET. Modern modelling techniques have provided the opportunity to replace costly field work with computing, especially through planning of the sampling set-ups and extrapolating the field data into previously unmapped locations. The cost for future inventories and ground-truthing will also be reduced, as habitat and species modelling is a rapidly developing branch of marine science. Thus, with future modelling techniques and computing capacity to be developed within the next few years, a lot more can be done with the present data. Increased large scale information is also decreasing costs for economic development due to the fact that inventories required for EIA’s can be targeted to the most valuable areas and the results obtained can be assessed against existing data on overall diversity. Hence, the quality of future EIAs conducted by investors and their analysis by licensing authorities can be raised based on the increased level of current knowledge. Social benefits As a project producing material for decision making on areas of nature conservation, FINMARINET has an impact on the social benefits brought by conservation areas. Among these are the vacancies offered by tourism, recreational activities, as well as management and administration of the conservation areas. The employment factor is especially important in this case, since conservation areas usually are located in remote places affected by emigration due to poor employment opportunities. Replicability, demonstration, transferability, cooperation As a concept for a national marine inventory consortium, FINMARINET is easily transferable to other Baltic Sea countries to be used in developing their national nature protection networks. This is especially true for Sweden and Estonia with similar geomorphological circumstances having repercussions on implementing institutions. The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission HELCOM is a key player in spreading the FINMARINET concept. During the project, information exchange with HELCOM has been intensive. This has been working smoothly, since the HELCOM head office is located in Finland. Further, regular progress reports on FINMARINET have been given in several HELCOM working groups, especially HELCOM Habitat. FINMARINET experiences particularly in modelling have also been shared with Russian Federation in the context of cooperation that is building on progress made in FINMARINET. Intensive use of modelling in FINMARINET as a tool in extrapolating the field data has a major demonstration value. Especially combining geological and biological inventory data through modelling has provided unforeseen added value for the Finnish national marine inventory network. This effect has been strengthened by the active communication of FINMARINET researchers with the international scientific community in conferences and workshops. Innovation and demonstration value FINMARINET has already shown its value for all project beneficiaries due to the concise review in field methodology and data interpretation carried out during the project. In addition, LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 42 cooperation in planning of field sampling has been improved substantially among project partners. FINMARINET has thus facilitated and improved national networking in the field of marine inventories, and the effects are already noticeable in other projects and cooperative efforts on national and international level. In most cases all expert meetings, workshops and seminars are open to all experts outside FINMARINET facilitating an active discussion in topics such as field inventory methodology, modelling techniques and the usability of the results. A highly important asset brought about by the present consortium is also strengthening of cooperation between the universities and the governmental research institutes. This networking will definitely continue beyond FINMARINET through new joint projects. On international fora, FINMARINET has improved the status of Finnish marine science and inventories. The project has been actively demonstrated especially within HELCOM and GeoHab (Marine Geological and Biological Habitat Mapping) communities. Besides that, FINMARINET has been presented in several other international occasions. Long term indicators of the project success The long-term impact and success of the project can be measured through the future successes in the development of the Finnish marine conservation areas network. Among these are: Actions by relevant authorities to improve the marine Natura 2000 network in its coverage of key marine habitats, particularly reefs and sandbanks, resulting in increased percentage of the marine habitats under Natura 2000 network and other conservation statuses. The improved management of the Natura 2000 sites in the project target areas based on better informed management planning; the number of management and utilisation plans of marine Natura 2000 areas using FINMARINET data and information. FINMARINET results used on regional and local scale planning, e.g. in marine spatial planning processes and EIA processes. FINMARINET results contribute to the objectives set up by HELCOM concerning Baltic Sea Protected Area (BSPA) sites; the number of sites within the FINMARINET target areas nominated as HELCOM BSPAs. FINMARINET data used to assess the distribution and status of marine underwater species; the number of assessments and publications having utilised FINMARINET data. Performance of Finnish Marine sciences will improve in the long run. This could be assessed through evaluations by the Academy of Finland carried out regularly. New projects will be planned building on the results of FINMARINET and utilising the strengthened national capacities, i.e. experts, data repositories etc. The substantial dissemination efforts made by FINMARINET will help to sustain interest in marine biodiversity by the media and general public. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 43 3.4. Dissemination issues Action D.1. Notice boards According to the original target, in each project area, two notice boards would be erected at a crucial place accessed by the public, for instance, information centres of national parks, local marinas or ferry harbours. The notice boards contain general information about the project, including justification for marine underwater inventories in the area. This action was implemented jointly by SYKE and NHS. SYKE was in charge of producing the notice boards. NHS erected the boards in their destinations. NHS has also taken care of eventual maintenance. The cost of producing the notice boards turned out to be significantly lower than originally estimated. Therefore, the original targets of this action were nearly quadrupled at a cost lower than originally budgeted for. A total of 40 boards were printed and placed in central locations in or close to all project areas, in two language versions, Finnish and Swedish (in EGoF only Finnish). The majority of notice boards were placed “in situ” in the archipelago, some in important locations on the mainland. The board locations are listed in Table 11. Pdf-versions of the notice boards can also be viewed at the project website. Table 11. Locations of the FINMARINET notice boards. Coordinates are in WGS84-format (dd mm,mm). North Notice board location East Area Deg Min Deg Min Tammisaari Nature Center FI0100005 59 58,58 23 26,02 Rödjan Archipelago Farm FI0100005 59 51,90 23 15,17 Tvärminne Zoological Station FI0100005 59 50,69 23 15,17 Jussarö Harbour FI0100005 59 49,40 23 34,40 Norrskär Harbour FI0800130 63 14,14 20 36,76 Fäliskäret Nature Station FI0800130 63 03,72 20 48,35 Mikkelinsaaret Nature Station FI0800130 63 27,62 21 46,36 Korpoström Archipelago Center FI0200090 60 06,64 21 35,86 Sinisimpukka Nature Center, Kasnäs FI0200090 59 55,38 22 24,42 Stora Hästö, Korppoo FI0200090 60 04,40 21 32,40 Jungfruskär, Houtskär FI0200090 60 08,30 21 04,70 Kylmäpihlaja Nature Info Point, Rauma FI0200073 61 08,67 21 18,17 Rauma Environmental Protection Office FI0200073 61 07,78 21 30,12 Rauma City Council Info Point FI0200073 61 07,72 21 30,23 Selkä-Sarvi Harbour FI1300301 65 36,91 24 11,75 Röyttä Harbour FI1300301 65 16,30 25 12,76 Marjaniemi Nature Center FI1300301 65 02,42 24 33,68 Kalajoki Marine Nature Center FI1300302 64 13,94 23 48,62 Kotka Maretarium FI0408001 60 27,67 26 57,04 Mustaviiri Harbour, Pyhtää FI0408001 60 16,67 26 36,35 Kaunissaari Harbour, Pyhtää FI0408001 60 20,75 26 46,51 Ulko-Tammio Harbour, Hamina FI0408001 60 21,00 27 27,19 LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 44 Figure 17. Notice boards at Fäliskäret Nature Station, The Quark, TA 3. Photo Wilma Viljanmaa SYKE. Action D.2. Website The project website was launched in June 2009 at http://www.environment.fi/finmarinet. It contains information on the project, its target areas, activities and results. During the course of project implementation, the project website was updated, and a photo gallery was included to publish selected under-water photographs and videos. The website will be maintained five years after the project end-date by the project coordinating beneficiary SYKE. However, as the Finnish environmental administration online services are undergoing a profound redesign in 2013 also the project website is transferred to the new platform in September-October 2013 and adjusted to the common graphic and content requirements. At the time of final reporting, some of the content was already available at the new platform. All transferred content will be published by the end of 2013. The new structure with a more selective content policy is expected to enhance the visibility of the project. The project site remains under the VELMU theme site and at the same shortcut address as before. The website content is included in Annex 13. These include published new content and content from the old site yet to be republished. Action D.3. Layman's report The FINMARINET layman’s report was produced in three language versions, Finnish, Swedish and English, and is included in Annex 14 of this report. It was printed (1000 copies as planned) as well as published electronically, and can be viewed at the project website. The concise report describes in popular terms the purpose and results of the project. Action D.4. Media work The project media work aimed at informing the general public about the activities, findings and results of the project. Seven press conferences, five press releases and five guided visits LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 45 for journalists were foreseen. SYKE coordinated the media work. All partners participated in the implementation. FINMARINET worked hard in order to change the prevailing perception of the media and the general public dominated by negative information on matters related to the Baltic Sea, e.g., blue green algal blooms, anoxic sea bottoms, harmful alien invasive species and other issues focusing on the fact that the Baltic Sea is a species-poor and heavily human-impacted sea area. In its media work, FINMARINET brought up the Baltic Sea biodiversity and used especially the underwater photographs illustrating the underwater nature to influence the perception of decision-makers, experts and the general public. See annexes 15 and 16 for documents related to the media work. Seven press conferences were organised. The conferences were held in Vaasa (28.5.2009), Oulu (14.12.2009), Pori (27.4.2010), Kylmäpihlaja (3.9.2010), Hailuoto (20.7.2011), Rauma (20.10.2012) and Helsinki (10.4.2013). Figure 18. The Minister of the Environment, Mr Ville Niinistö, speaking at the press conference organised in connection to the Final Conference on the 10 th April, 2013. Photo Aira Saloniemi SYKE. Six guided trips for journalists were arranged: Tvärminne (TA 6) 17.6.2009. The first media trip introduced the FINMARINET project and its plans for 2009-2012. Harakka, Helsinki 30.6.2010. This location was chosen to obtain as wide media cover as possible on a national level for the project. The theme of the trip was marine biodiversity and how it varies as a result of human activities even on a very local scale. Kasnäs, Archipelago Sea (TA 5) 23.7.2010. The theme of the trip was underwater biodiversity and how it is affected by eutrophication. Kylmäpihlaja/Rauma (TA 4) 3.9.2010. The theme of the fourth media trip was the continuous change in marine nature due to, e.g., land upheaval, climate change, and how species need to adapt to the changing environment. Hailuoto, Oulu (TA 1 & 2) 20.7.2011. The trip focused on the need for further information on the under-water nature in planning for the use and the conservation of marine areas. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 46 Ulko-Nuokko, Kotka (TA 7) 25.8.2011. The theme of the trip was the various enduses of the information provided by FINMARINET. Figure 19. Media by sea. Media trip to Harakka Island in Helsinki attracted wide media attention. Photo Riku Lumiaro SYKE. Eight press releases were given in connection to the above press conferences and media trips. The last two, released in 2012 and 2013, are included in Annex 15 to this report. The media work has brought about several hits in electronic and print media. Media items that have covered the project activities are presented in Annex 16, which also includes selected newspaper and magazine clips. As a new feature starting in 2010, NHS also actively informed the public about our marine inventory work through social media and blogs. Action D.5. Technical publication and article in a professional journal In addition to project activity reports to the EC, project progress was reported in annual reports (in Finnish language) to serve the information needs of, e.g., decision makers. The reports were compiled by SYKE. The technical reports 2011 and 2012 have also been uploaded to the project website. The 2012 report is attached in Annex 17. Furthermore, a publication in a professional journal ‘Ympäristö’ (Environment) was published in June 2013, focusing on results from modelling and map production. A national professional publication was chosen because it was considered more important to target the domestic audience with the article. At international level, dissemination and professional networking had already been quite active in other fora. The article is included in Annex 18. Action D.6. Awareness-raising of local people This action disseminated information about the project and its outputs and results to the decision-makers and the general public. Targets included six information seminars, seven lectures about the underwater nature and a FINMARINET brochure printed and distributed. Although SYKE was responsible for coordinating the activities, all partners actively contributed to the success of this action. A brochure was produced in three languages, Finnish, Swedish and English. The Finnish language version was printed. All three versions are available for viewing and for download at the project website. The brochure is included in Annex 19. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 47 Three project’s own public information seminars were organised. The project participated, it was presented and project experts talked and lectured at a total of nearly 70 events organised by other parties. Initially, six project’s own public information seminars were planned. However, it was soon realised that in order not to compete for the attention of the same target audiences with other seminar organisers and to avoid seminar fatigue, it made sense to organise events jointly with other actors or to participate actively in events organised by others. Many associations and event organisers were indeed keen to invite FINMARINET experts to talk to their members and event participants. In this way FINMARINET was able to reach greater numbers of audience. Project and LIFE+ visibility was secured through presentations, brochures or posters. These opportunities were, therefore, seized to the extent possible, as they were also seen quite cost-efficient. For example, extremely popular SeaLife and Kotka Maritime Festival were used as means of reaching great numbers of children, youth and adults. Under-water photographs and roll-up posters were also taken on a tour in coastal cities close to FINMARINET target areas. The events are summarised in Annex 20. Presentations or other documents of events not submitted earlier under other reports are included in Annex 21. During the project lifetime we have recorded the participation of: 473 pupils and students through lectures (compared with the initial target 500-700) 110 teachers (target 25-40) 2371 decision-makers (target 300-350) and general public 111 412 exhibition visitors from all walks of life. In these figures we have not included the audiences of those events where, unfortunately, numbers of participants have not been recorded. Furthermore, in addition to the events mentioned above, it is worth mentioning that the inventory teams have met numerous local people while working in the field and actively talked to them about the project. These unreported ad hoc encounters have without doubt greatly contributed to the awareness-raising targets set and overall visibility of LIFE+ support. In addition to the extensive activities at national level, FINMARINET experts have actively networked internationally, spoken and presented the project and its results at various fora. These are discussed in more detail under the Administrative Part and Action E.5. Furthermore, a chapter in a book titled "Future of the Baltic Sea" (in Finnish) was produced as follows: Downie, A.-L. & Kaskela, A. 2010. Vedenalaiset maisemat – vedenalaisen monimuotoisuuden kuvaajat. In: Bäck, S., Ollikainen, M., Bonsdorff, E., Eriksson, A., Hallanaro, E.-L., Kuikka, S., Viitasalo, M & Walls, M. (Ed.) 2010. Itämeren tulevaisuus. Gaudeamus. 350 pp. Action D.7. Seminars and conferences In order to maximise the benefits of the project, information dissemination efforts were directed towards all relevant national and international information end users. The organisations involved were key ministries, coastal regional councils, coastal municipalities, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, NGO's, the private sector and the general public involved in the Baltic Sea protection and sustainable use of its resources. Two public national seminars and two international seminars were arranged where altogether 272 persons participated. Results of the project have also been presented at a number of international conferences and meetings, among others, the HELCOM HABITAT work group. The national conferences focused on the end user needs for information produced by the project. The event details are presented in the tables 12 and 13. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 48 Table 12. Event Seminars and conferences No. of participants Seminar „EU directives and legislation at the Baltic Sea‟ 3.12.2009 in Helsinki, Finland with 50 participants. The presentations introduced the Water Framework Directive, the Habitats Directive, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Common Fisheries Policy to the participants followed by a discussion on how the data produced by FINMARINET project in the VELMU programme context support implementing these directives and how the data gathered so far and the data to be gathered during the coming project years will meet the various end-user needs. 40 participants from governmental and municipal institutions and universities Seminar 'Itämeren värikäs vedenalainen luonto kartalle – Miksi ja miten' 11.02.2009 in Helsinki. The PM organized the seminar and gave a presentation on the progress of the VELMU program and FINMARINET as the largest contributor to the programme. NHS and GTK experts gave also presentations on their previous work and on their plans for work performed during FINMARINET in the context of marine spatial planning. The seminar discussed whether VELMU programme final products will meet the information needs of various end-users. 98 participants from governmental and municipal institutions, universities and general public. International seminar ‟Marine spatial planning as a tool for sustainable use of marine resources and nature protection‟ 15.4.2010 in Helsinki, Finland. The PM of FINMARINET organised the seminar with the PAS and gave a presentation on the progress of the VELMU-program and the FINMARINET project. A questionnaire on the planning for uses of the Finnish sea area was conducted in the seminar. It inquired, among others, about factors that are considered important in the planning, as well as information needs for planning. The results were analysed during spring 2010, and shared later with FINMARINET beneficiaries and seminar participants. FINMARINET final conference was held 10.4.2013 in Helsinki. The conference was opened by the Minister of the Environment, Mr Ville Niinistö. Key note speakers were Professional Secretary Maria Laamanen from HELCOM Secretariat and Communications Manager Maija Sirola from the BONUS Secretariat. Invited comments were given by Tapani Veistola from the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation. An overview of the FINMARINET results was given during the morning session, and during the afternoon session the project actions and results were discussed in more detail. (See Annex 22 for programme, list of participants, photographs and proceedings of the seminar.) 88 participants from governmental and municipal institutions, universities, NGOs and the private sector Figure 20. 46 participants from governmental and municipal institutions, universities, NGOs and the private sector The Minister of the Environment Mr Ville Niinistö opened the Final Conference. Photo Aira Saloniemi SYKE. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 49 Table 13. FINMARINET reported at HELCOM HABITAT meetings Event FINMARINET was presented at the HELCOM HABITAT meeting in Kotka May 13, 2009 by Kirsi Kostamo SYKE. Activities of FINMARINET were presented at the HELCOM HABITAT meeting in Tallinn, Estonia 17.-19.2.2010 by Kirsi Kostamo SYKE. FINMARINET was presented at the HELCOM HABITAT meeting in Copenhagen May 2427, 2011 by Pasi Laihonen SYKE. FINMARINET was presented at the HELCOM HABITAT work group meeting in Stralsund, Germany, 22-25 May 2012 by Pasi Laihonen SYKE. FINMARINET was presented at the HELCOM HABITAT meeting in Riga, May 14-17, 2013. by Jan Ekebom NHS and Penina Blankett YM (See Annex 23 for meeting minutes). No. of pants Appr. 35 Partici- Appr. 35 Appr. 35 Appr. 35 Appr. 35 The planned activities were implemented slightly ahead of schedule. This was justified by the need to disseminate information on the project to the potential end-users as well as to obtain information on their needs at an earlier stage in the implementation, complementing the need to disseminate the project results towards the end, all of which was not sufficiently considered in the original plan. The original objectives were exceeded in terms of numbers of audience reached. LIFE+ visibility LIFE+ visibility has been promoted through the use of the Life logo for example in the SYKE management team offices, project presentations, project brochures, project website, NHS boats, project notice boards, among others. Figure 1. The project visibility was very good also in the target areas where NHS field teams operated during four long field seasons. The boats acquired with project funds where duly marked with LIFE+ stickers. In the photo one is glued under the supervisory eye of the Steering Committee chairman. Photo Kirsi Kostamo SYKE. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 50 Figure 1. 3.5. Not only durable equipment but also some minor field equipment were marked for LIFE+ visibility. Photo SYKE. Efforts for reducing the project's "carbon footprint" The actual inventory work, transportation of people and equipment during the field trips as well as traveling due to the project meetings have been the major FINMARINET activities producing carbon emissions. The means of reducing FINMARINET carbon footprint have been a) to use modelling to replace field work whenever possible, b) to use boats in field work as much as possible instead of vessels, c) to use video conferences and telephone instead of traveling to the meeting place and d) to circulated reports and meeting documents in electronic format avoiding unnecessary printing. All these means have been in use during the project. Still, exact figures on the reduction of carbon footprint are impossible to produce since there is no reference point to compare with. For future activities the need for field observations is expected to decrease, reducing also the future carbon footprint. The end product of the project, the internet based maps of the Finnish marine habitat types, will further help to focus and improve the quality of future field investigations made by authorities, consults, researchers, and other stakeholders. LIFE07 NAT/FIN/000151 Final report 51
