Schleswig-Holstein pays the utmost attention to protecting the Baltic Sea!

Schleswig-Holstein pays the utmost attention to protecting the Baltic Sea!

The situation in the Baltic Sea is anything but rosy. In 2025, the Schleswig-Holstein government will be confronted with massive ecological challenges. Schleswig-Holstein is planning a comprehensive action plan to protect and revitalize the Baltic Sea. Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt believes that there are now better conditions for the long-term protection of the maritime ecosystem. A breath of fresh air is blowing through the discussion about Baltic Sea protection, which has recently developed significantly positively, explains Goldschmidt in an interview with star.

Several information events have already taken place in spring 2023 to present the action plan. In addition, the black-green coalition agreed in March 2024 to create new protected areas. Around 12.5% ​​of Schleswig-Holstein's Baltic Sea should be under strict protection. Marine nature reserves are planned west of the island of Fehmarn, in the southern Hohwachter Bay and between the mouth of the Schmelz and Gelting. The designation process for these new areas is ongoing and is expected to be completed by 2026. Public participation is an important element here to ensure acceptance among the population.

A comprehensive protection approach

But where there is light, there are also shadows. Despite the intended progress, there are concerns from various quarters. The State Fisheries Association has criticized the action plan and pointed to a lack of concessions that are crucial for fishermen. Goldschmidt admits that fishermen suffer from the poor condition of the Baltic Sea and sees Baltic Sea protection as a crucial investment in the future of fishing. Another problem is the increased nitrogen and phosphate input from agriculture in the Baltic Sea catchment area. A total of 10% must be saved by 2030 and even 20% by 2035. Goldschmidt calls for more commitment from agriculture in this matter.

The urgently needed measures to combat the ecological problems in the Baltic Sea can only be implemented through joint efforts from all sides. Goldschmidt is convinced that the planned steps are necessary to protect the Baltic Sea from further decline. In order to meet the increased need for action, another source emphasizes that federal obligations to protect the Baltic Sea must be strictly adhered to. Otherwise, there is a risk of infringement proceedings and possible fines. This could have serious consequences for the habitat of the Baltic Sea, which is already under attack and is threatened by increasing pollution, waste and the loss of food sources for many species schleswig-holstein.de describes.

A look at the challenges

The Baltic Sea suffers from a variety of ecological discussions. Harmless algae are clogging coastlines while dead zones are increasing and destroying important habitats. Beach nesters are finding fewer and fewer undisturbed nesting sites, and the number of sea ducks, which require calm waters to feed, is declining. This problem is addressed by lsv-sh.de underlined, which once again illustrates the urgency of the measures.

Plans are currently underway for a national park, which will provoke far-reaching discussions about the use of water sports. Goldschmidt has already had to revise some unclear statements regarding the use of federal waterways, which are not within the ministry's sphere of influence. There is great skepticism among water sports associations, especially when it comes to potential restrictions on use. Nevertheless, Schleswig-Holstein strives to make a name for itself as a sports country, which in turn focuses on the balance between nature conservation and sporting use.

In this context it becomes clear that protecting the Baltic Sea is not only a mandatory task, but also an opportunity to preserve nature for future generations. The focus is on efforts to protect water not only for the environment, but also for the interests of the regional population. The road will be long and rocky, but there are initial successes that give hope. It remains to be seen how the measures will develop and what positive effects they will have on the Baltic Sea.