Our Campaign, Save the Baltic Sea

All countries must help to save our common Baltic. Everyone has a responsibility. Banning phosphates in washing detergents and washing-up liquids is a simple measure that everyone ought to be able to agree on.

What makes the Baltic Sea special also makes this inland sea more sensitive than other sea areas. The mixture of fresh water and salt water results in fewer species of plants and animals than in the oceans. If one species decreases significantly in number or disappears, it may have a big impact on the ecosystem at large. The same applies when new foreign species become established.

One of the most polluted seas

The water exchange is slow. This is because fresh water is lighter than salt; the Baltic Sea is stratified at a depth of approximately 60–80 metres, which means that the surface and bottom water do not mix in what is known as the Baltic Sea Proper, south of Åland. Very large saltwater inflows through the Danish Straits are required to replace the water in the deeper parts. This used to happen with some regularity, but is more sporadic nowadays.

The Baltic is also situated in a densely populated area, and sewage from 85 million people is discharged into the sea, making our inland sea one of the world’s most polluted. Eutrophication, environmental toxins, oil spills, overfishing and invasive species are among the most serious problems – problems that can only be solved jointly by those of us who live around the Baltic Sea.

Action is needed

Sweden and several other EU countries have already introduced restrictions on the use of phosphates in washing detergents. HELCOM (The Helsinki Commission) states have agreed to phase out phosphates and the European Commission is preparing a proposal to a joint ban on phosphates in all EU countries.

Our goal is for Ministers of Environment from all the countries around the Baltic Sea to jointly make sure this decision is taken! And that countries outside the EU, such as Russia, also join a ban.