Meriluontoon

Meriluontoon is a Finnish term that refers to the marine natural environment and its study, conservation, and public appreciation in Finland and the Baltic Sea region. The concept is used in education, research, media, and policy to describe the sea’s living organisms, habitats, and ecological processes.

In Finland, meriluonto encompasses coastal and open-sea zones, including the archipelago and the brackish conditions of the Baltic Sea, as well as seasonal changes. Common habitats include rocky shores, sandy bottoms, seagrass meadows, and seaweed communities. The Baltic’s low-salinity conditions shape the species composition and ecological interactions found in these environments.

Key components of meriluonto include fish, invertebrates, seabirds, and marine mammals, along with plants such as algae and seagrasses. The marine ecosystem also features various habitat types, from shallow coastal areas to deeper offshore waters, each supporting distinct communities.

Pressures on meriluonto include nutrient enrichment (eutrophication), pollution, habitat loss, overfishing, climate change, invasive species, and underwater noise from shipping and industry. These pressures can alter food webs, reduce biodiversity, and degrade habitats if not managed.

Conservation and governance of meriluonto involve marine protected areas, national strategies, and international frameworks such as the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and HELCOM recommendations, which guide protection and sustainable use of the Baltic Sea’s ecosystems. Data collection, monitoring, and collaboration among agencies help inform policy and management decisions.

Education and public engagement play a role in meriluonto through school curricula, nature centers, citizen science initiatives, and nature-based tourism. These efforts aim to improve understanding of marine ecosystems and foster responsible use and protection of the sea.