by Emily Gruenendieck
Eutrophication, caused by excessive nutrient accumulation from industrial agriculture, is a significant issue for the Baltic Sea, impacting its aquatic ecosystem. Nutrient runoff, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, promotes harmful algae growth, leading to increased species mortality and methane emissions. The Baltic Sea, enclosed by nine countries, faces severe eutrophication due to its semi-enclosed nature and proximity to large cities. In 2018, 96% of the sea was reported to be in poor condition regarding eutrophication (HELCOM). Despite legislative efforts, such as the EU Common Agricultural Policy, the issue persists.