Abstract
Ocean acidification, a consequence of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) absorption by the world’s oceans, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems globally. This paper examines the specific challenges faced by the Åland Islands, an autonomous region in the Baltic Sea, where unique environmental conditions exacerbate the impacts of acidification on marine life. The study explores the cascading effects on local biodiversity, fisheries, and ecosystem services, while situating these challenges within the broader context of international governance frameworks and treaties. Through a comprehensive literature review and situational analysis, this article identifies key vulnerabilities in the Åland Islands ecosystem and discusses potential adaptive strategies. Recommendations are provided for localized action and international collaboration to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification, emphasizing the role of intergovernmental organizations in addressing this global issue.
Introduction
The world’s oceans play a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate by absorbing approximately a quarter of the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted into the atmosphere due to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. However, this absorption process alters the chemical composition of seawater, leading to a decrease in pH levels and a phenomenon known as ocean acidification. Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the pH of ocean surface waters has decreased by approximately 0.1 units, representing a 30% increase in acidity (European Environment Agency, 2024). This shift in ocean chemistry has profound implications for marine life, particularly for calcifying organisms like mollusks, corals, and certain plankton species, which struggle to build and maintain their calcium carbonate structures under acidic conditions.
The Åland Islands, a self-governing archipelago located in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland, represent a unique case study for examining the impacts of ocean acidification. The Baltic Sea is characterized by low salinity and limited water exchange with the open ocean, making it particularly susceptible to environmental stressors such as acidification, eutrophication, and climate change. These conditions amplify the vulnerability of the Åland Islands’ marine ecosystems, which support a diverse array of species and provide essential ecosystem services, including fisheries and tourism. Local communities in the Åland Islands rely heavily on these resources, and any disruption poses significant socio-economic challenges.
This paper aims to explore the specific threats posed by ocean acidification to the Åland Islands’ marine life and ecosystem services. It situates these local challenges within the broader context of global environmental change and examines the role of international frameworks, including treaties and intergovernmental organizations, in addressing this issue. By synthesizing existing research and analyzing the unique environmental and socio-political context of the Åland Islands, this study seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on ocean acidification in marginal seas and provide actionable recommendations for mitigation and adaptation.
Situational Analysis
The Baltic Sea, including the waters surrounding the Åland Islands, is one of the most vulnerable marine environments to acidification due to its semi-enclosed nature and limited water exchange with the North Sea. The region’s low alkalinity and high input of organic matter from surrounding land areas further exacerbate the rate of pH decline. Studies indicate that the Baltic Sea’s pH levels have decreased at a faster rate than the global ocean average, with seasonal fluctuations posing additional stress to marine organisms (Omstedt et al., 2012). In the Åland Islands, where rocky shores and shallow coastal waters host a wealth of biodiversity, these chemical changes threaten the survival of key species, including mollusks, crustaceans, and fish, which form the foundation of the local food web.
The socio-economic implications of ocean acidification in the Åland Islands are significant. Fisheries constitute a vital part of the local economy, with species like herring and perch being both culturally and economically important. Acidification impacts the early life stages of these fish, disrupting reproduction and growth, which could lead to declines in fish stocks and subsequent economic losses. Additionally, tourism—a key industry in the Åland Islands—relies on the pristine marine environment and the appeal of activities such as fishing and sailing. Degradation of marine ecosystems due to acidification could deter visitors and harm local livelihoods.
Politically, the Åland Islands occupy a unique position as an autonomous region under Finnish sovereignty, with significant self-governance over environmental and economic matters. This autonomy provides opportunities for localized policy-making but also presents challenges in coordinating with broader national and international efforts to combat ocean acidification. The region’s reliance on cooperation with Finland, Sweden, and broader Baltic Sea governance structures, such as the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), underscores the need for a multi-level approach to address this transboundary issue. HELCOM, established under the Helsinki Convention, provides a framework for regional cooperation on marine environmental protection but faces challenges in implementing cohesive policies specifically targeting ocean acidification.
Literature Review
Ocean acidification is a well-documented consequence of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, with extensive research highlighting its impacts on marine ecosystems. Doney et al. (2020) provide a comprehensive overview of how rising seawater CO₂ levels and declining pH disrupt the physiological processes of marine organisms, particularly those dependent on calcium carbonate for shell and skeleton formation. Calcifying species such as oysters, clams, and corals experience reduced growth rates and increased mortality under acidified conditions, which in turn affects entire food webs (Doney et al., 2020). In the Baltic Sea, research by Havenhand (2012) underscores the amplified vulnerability of marine life due to the region’s naturally low buffering capacity, which limits its ability to neutralize added acidity.
The impacts of acidification extend beyond individual species to ecosystem services that support human communities. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), acidification, combined with other stressors like warming and deoxygenation, poses significant risks to fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal protection (IPCC, 2019). These findings are particularly relevant to the Åland Islands, where small-scale fisheries and aquaculture play a critical role in the local economy. Studies specific to the Baltic Sea suggest that acidification may disproportionately affect juvenile fish and invertebrates, leading to potential declines in commercially important species (Havenhand, 2012).
From a governance perspective, the international community has recognized ocean acidification as a global challenge requiring coordinated action. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement indirectly address ocean acidification by targeting reductions in CO₂ emissions, though they lack specific provisions for marine chemistry. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasizes the need to protect marine biodiversity from emerging threats like acidification, while the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a legal framework for marine environmental protection. However, as noted by Harrould-Kolieb and Herr (2019), the fragmented nature of these treaties often results in gaps in addressing ocean acidification comprehensively at both global and regional levels.
Regionally, the Helsinki Convention, enforced by HELCOM, serves as the primary instrument for protecting the Baltic Sea environment. While HELCOM has made strides in addressing eutrophication and pollution, its focus on ocean acidification remains limited. Recent reports from the European Environment Agency (2024) highlight the need for integrated policies that address acidification alongside other marine stressors, advocating for stronger regional cooperation. For the Åland Islands, the interplay between local autonomy and regional governance structures presents both opportunities and challenges in aligning with broader environmental objectives.
Discussion
The Åland Islands’ marine ecosystem faces multifaceted challenges due to ocean acidification, driven by both global CO₂ emissions and regional environmental conditions. The semi-enclosed nature of the Baltic Sea, combined with high levels of nutrient runoff and low water turnover, creates a perfect storm for rapid pH decline. This acidification directly impacts calcifying organisms, which are critical to the food web. For example, declines in mollusk populations could reduce food availability for fish species, thereby affecting predators and human communities dependent on fisheries. The cascading effects of such disruptions extend to economic stability and cultural practices in the Åland Islands, where fishing is not only an economic activity but also a way of life.
One of the primary challenges in addressing ocean acidification in the Åland Islands is the scale mismatch between the global nature of the problem and the localized impacts. While CO₂ emissions are a global issue requiring international cooperation, the specific vulnerabilities of the Baltic Sea necessitate tailored regional and local responses. The Åland Islands’ autonomous status allows for the development of localized environmental policies, but limited resources and expertise may hinder effective implementation. Furthermore, the transboundary nature of marine ecosystems in the Baltic Sea means that unilateral actions by the Åland Islands or even Finland alone are insufficient; coordinated efforts with neighboring countries and regional bodies like HELCOM are essential.
Internationally, the role of intergovernmental organizations and treaties in addressing ocean acidification is critical yet underdeveloped. The Paris Agreement, while pivotal in setting global emission reduction targets, does not explicitly address ocean acidification. Similarly, UNCLOS provides broad principles for marine environmental protection but lacks specific mechanisms for tackling chemical changes in seawater. The CBD offers a framework for protecting marine biodiversity, which could be leveraged to prioritize research and conservation efforts in areas like the Åland Islands. However, as Harrould-Kolieb and Herr (2019) argue, there is an urgent need for a dedicated international agreement or protocol on ocean acidification to bridge existing gaps and ensure cohesive action.
At the regional level, HELCOM represents a promising platform for addressing acidification in the Baltic Sea. Its Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) aims to achieve a good environmental status for the sea by integrating measures against multiple stressors. However, acidification-specific actions within the BSAP remain underdeveloped, and greater emphasis is needed on monitoring pH changes and their ecological impacts. The Åland Islands could play a pivotal role in advocating for stronger regional policies by contributing local data and promoting awareness of acidification’s socio-economic impacts. Collaboration with HELCOM could also facilitate access to funding and expertise for mitigation projects, such as enhancing coastal carbon sequestration through habitat restoration.
Another dimension of the discussion is the intersection of ocean acidification with other environmental stressors in the Åland Islands. Eutrophication, driven by agricultural runoff, exacerbates acidification by promoting algal blooms that release CO₂ during decomposition. Climate change further complicates the situation by warming waters and reducing oxygen levels, creating a synergistic effect that amplifies harm to marine life. Addressing acidification in isolation is therefore insufficient; a holistic approach that tackles interconnected stressors is necessary. This requires not only scientific research but also policy coherence across sectors such as agriculture, energy, and marine management.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis of ocean acidification’s impacts on the Åland Islands, the following recommendations are proposed to mitigate risks and enhance resilience:
- Enhance Local Monitoring and Research: Establish a network of pH monitoring stations around the Åland Islands to track acidification trends and their impacts on key species. Partnerships with universities and research institutes in Finland and Sweden could provide the necessary expertise and funding. This data should be shared with HELCOM to contribute to regional assessments.
- Develop Localized Adaptation Strategies: Implement adaptive aquaculture practices, such as selective breeding of acid-tolerant species and buffering techniques to mitigate pH declines in fish farms. Community education programs should be introduced to raise awareness of acidification and promote sustainable fishing practices.
- Strengthen Regional Cooperation through HELCOM: Advocate for the inclusion of specific acidification targets within the Baltic Sea Action Plan. The Åland Islands should work with HELCOM member states to secure funding for joint research initiatives and habitat restoration projects, such as seagrass and kelp reforestation, which can sequester carbon and mitigate local acidification.
- Engage with International Frameworks: Leverage treaties like the CBD and UNCLOS to access global resources and expertise for marine conservation in the Åland Islands. Participate in international forums to highlight the unique vulnerabilities of marginal seas like the Baltic Sea and push for a dedicated protocol on ocean acidification under the UNFCCC.
- Address Interconnected Stressors: Integrate acidification mitigation with efforts to reduce eutrophication and combat climate change. Policies targeting agricultural runoff and renewable energy adoption in the Åland Islands can indirectly alleviate acidification by reducing local CO₂ emissions and nutrient inputs.
These recommendations aim to bridge the gap between local action and global cooperation, ensuring that the Åland Islands can effectively address ocean acidification while contributing to broader environmental objectives. The success of these strategies depends on sustained political commitment, adequate funding, and collaboration across scales of governance.
Conclusion
Ocean acidification poses a grave threat to the marine ecosystems of the Åland Islands, with cascading effects on biodiversity, fisheries, and local livelihoods. The unique environmental conditions of the Baltic Sea amplify these impacts, making the region a critical focal point for research and action. This paper has highlighted the specific vulnerabilities faced by the Åland Islands, situating them within the broader context of global environmental change and international governance frameworks. While local autonomy provides opportunities for tailored responses, the transboundary nature of marine ecosystems necessitates regional and international collaboration.
Intergovernmental organizations and treaties, such as HELCOM, the UNFCCC, and the CBD, offer vital platforms for addressing ocean acidification, yet current efforts remain fragmented and insufficient. Strengthening these frameworks and integrating acidification-specific actions into existing policies are essential steps toward safeguarding marine life in the Åland Islands and beyond. Through enhanced monitoring, localized adaptation, and multi-level cooperation, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of acidification and build resilience in vulnerable regions. The challenges are formidable, but with coordinated action, the Åland Islands can serve as a model for balancing local needs with global environmental responsibilities.
References
- Doney, S. C., Busch, D. S., Cooley, S. R., & Kroeker, K. J. (2020). The impacts of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and reliant human communities. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 45, 83-112. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-012320-083019
- European Environment Agency. (2024). Ocean acidification. Retrieved from https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/ocean-acidification
- Harrould-Kolieb, E. R., & Herr, D. (2019). A governing framework for international ocean acidification policy. Marine Policy, 102, 10-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2018.12.023
- Havenhand, J. N. (2012). How will ocean acidification affect Baltic Sea ecosystems? An assessment of plausible impacts on key functional groups. Ambio, 41(6), 637-644. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-012-0326-2
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2019). Special report on the ocean and cryosphere in a changing climate. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/
- Omstedt, A., Edman, M., Claremar, B., Frodin, P., Gustafsson, E., Humborg, C., … & Yurova, A. (2012). Future changes in the Baltic Sea acid–base (pH) and oxygen balances. Tellus B: Chemical and Physical Meteorology, 64(1), 19586. https://doi.org/10.3402/tellusb.v64i0.19586
