The aim of the project is to establish a long-term network and platform to build knowledge, competence, and skills focusing on Baltic Sea nitrogen cycling, as well as provide input to stakeholders and policy makers via two-way discussions.
Nitrogen is a key element of the eutrophication problem in the Baltic Sea, along with phosphorus. Although we do understand the major processes of riverine and atmospheric input as well as large scale circulation in the water, the underlying processes and organisms driving the nitrogen cycles are still not well known. Understanding these processes and their major players for example, bacteria, phytoplankton is essential to predict how a changing climate will affect the Baltic Sea.
The project will arrange two international workshops for discussions with an equal part researchers and end users focusing on nitrogen cycling and eutrophication in the Baltic Sea. It will also compile existing data on nitrogen cycling that can be useful to biogeochemical modelers in the region.