Acidification of the global oceans is a major trend. In the past, a well-documented trend of increasing alkalinity has partly counter acted drivers of acidification in the Baltic Sea. However, decrease in pH has been observed in areas of intense respiration of organic matter and hypoxia. General long-term projection indicates intensified acidification of the Baltic Sea.
There is uncertainty in how ocean acidification may impact the Baltic Sea ecosystem in the future. Developing a shared view of the current evidence base would be a first step in HELCOM. This could inform future work on adapting policies or developing new measures. In order to understand ocean acidification of the Baltic Sea, there is a need to better understand the carbon-cycle. Monitoring and measurements of carbon parameters are central to the assessment of eutrophication, a topic which has been a focus area of HELCOM for decades. Alkalinity of the Baltic Sea waters is a key element to be addressed and is a focus area for this strategic approach. There could be differences in alkalinity between surface- and deep-waters that would need to be better understood, and there are knowledge gaps in how the Baltic Sea functions in terms of alkalinity sources and sinks.
The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan 2021 sets the scene for this HELCOM strategic approach to ocean acidification; “Although acidification is currently not a major trend in the Baltic Sea ecosystem, it is an advancing and significant trend in the world’s oceans, directly connected to carbon dioxide emissions. The long-term forecast for the Baltic Sea also projects an increased acidification, but neither the carbon chemistry of the Baltic Sea nor possible impacts of acidification on biota are fully understood yet, and mitigation measures have not been considered so far. “
The role of HELCOM is to facilitate a science-policy dialogue on how ocean acidification affects the Baltic Sea ecosystem and related services, and to explore options for adaptation to this pressure and encourage actions to reduce CO2 emissions by taking action on climate change.
HELCOM also has a role in coordinating environmental monitoring in the Baltic Sea. An overarching aim of this strategic approach is to develop a future monitoring programme that is optimised on the regional scale in terms of spatial and temporal scope.
This strategic approach describes how HELCOM will use its existing structures to assess and address the emerging pressure of ocean acidification. HELCOM will collaborate with other organisations and institutions to create an evidence base to inform policy actions and measures. HELCOM will coordinate work between its subsidiary bodies to ensure best available scientific knowledge is used to create a coherent response to ocean acidification.
Helsinki Commission, 2026. HELCOM strategic approach to ocean acidification. Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission. Report.
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